STOC, Programs - Southwest Wisconsin ITS program

Programs

ITS

Programs, Southwest Wisconsin Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) resources

The Southwest Wisconsin ITS program covers ten counties in southwestern Wisconsin and four counties in northern Illinois.

Beltline pilot project

Ramp metering on Madison's Beltline has improved travel conditions during the morning and afternoon rush hours. The meters have reduced the number of crashes by 50 percent, alleviated congestion and improved travel speeds.

Prior to the ramp meter pilot project, crash levels on the Beltline were higher than the statewide average and merging traffic resulted in speeds that abruptly dropped from 55 to 15 mph. Dane County transportation and public safety officials initiated the pilot project after identifying ramp meters as a way to improve travel conditions on the Beltline.

Five ramp meters were originally installed, placed at the eastbound Whitney Way entrance ramp, both westbound Fish Hatchery Road entrance ramps and both westbound Park Street entrance ramps. The ramp meters were turned on in July 2001 and have been functioning during the morning and evening rush hours, 6:30 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin used before and after traffic data, computer modeling, and public and law enforcement surveys to evaluate the five ramp meters and determine:

Travel times and delays
Traffic volumes
Travel speeds
Number of crashes
Delays due to crashes
Ramp delays and compliance
User acceptance
Delay costs
Vehicle emissions and fuel consumption

For more information on the Southwest Wisconsin ITS program, contact:

WisDOT Southwest Region, Madison Office
2101 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53704-2583
Phone: (608) 246-3800
Fax: (608) 246-3843
TTY: (608) 246-5385
Email: swr.dtsd@dot.wi.gov

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