Operation

• Ramp meters work similarly to traffic signals with a red and green light. All vehicles must stop when the light is red.
• When the signal turns green, the vehicle at the front of the line on the ramp may cautiously move onto the freeway. Only one vehicle is allowed onto the freeway at each green light signal.
• Sensors are located at the top of each ramp to monitor back-ups that may occur on the ramps. If there are too many cars on the ramp, sensors alert the signal which then allows more cars onto the freeway. Operators at Georgia DOT's Transportation Management Center also will monitor the meters through cameras and will make necessary adjustments.
• On two lane ramps, the meters will allow one car to merge at a time.

Part of the Georgia DOT’s Intelligent Transportation System, the meters utilize an advanced camera system to determine the most effective operation of the meters. The ramp meters are controlled at the Georgia DOT’s Transportation Management Center by the NaviGAtor Intelligent Transportation System.

Benefits of Ramp Meters

• Reduced congestion on the freeway
• Decreased fuel consumption
• Maintain steadier flow on the interstate
• Allow more cars to use the freeway
• Increase freeway speeds
• Reduce some vehicle emissions
• Reduce rear-end and side swipe accidents – accidents associated with merging