Full Ramp Metering Activated Westbound/Southbound on Highway 4 and Highway 242 in Concord

Today’s Date:          September 17, 2013

District:                     04-Oakland

Contact:                    Adam Priest   

Phone:                      (510) 286 5543

           

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   

Full Ramp Metering Activated Westbound/Southbound on Highway 4 and Highway 242 in Concord

Contra Costa County—Caltrans today announced it has activated full ramp metering operations in the the westbound/southbound direction of Highway 4 and Highway 242 in Concord.  This ambitious project is part of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Freeway Performance Initiative, aimed at maximizing the capacity of existing roadway by targeting congestion during commute hours.  “ Metering lights improve safety by controlling the flow of merging vehicles,” said Caltrans District 4 Director Bijan Sartipi. “When merging-related accidents are reduced, travel time improves for everyone.”

The ramp meters installed as part of this project are state-of-the-art meters that can adapt to current traffic conditions.  These meters will automatically adjust the green rate on the meters based on traffic flows both at on-ramps and on the highways themselves.  This innovative ramp metering system is a collaborative effort among Caltrans, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to facilitate faster and more reliable travel time along this busy corridor.

“ Ramp meters are a key part of MTC’s Freeway Performance Initiative, which is designed to deliver maximum performance from our existing freeway network, “ explained MTC Chair and Orinda Mayor Amy Rein Worth. “We’ve already seen the dramatic improvements in drivers’ travel times made by the activation of ramp meters along U.S. 101 in San Mateo County and Interstate 580 in Alameda County. It is great to see these low-cost, high-yield improvements coming for our commuters in Contra Costa County, too. “

Caltrans deployed “Metering Begins” signs along Highway 4 from Solano Way to Railroad Avenue and on Highway 242 from Clayton Road to Port Chicago Highway. All 23 meters on these stretches of highway were set to “green” on September 9, 2013 during the morning  (6:00 am to 10:00 am) in the westbound/southbound direction and evening (3:00 pm to 7:00 pm) in northbound/eastbound direction to give drivers a chance to get used to the new system.

Full ramp metering begins on September 17, 2013 in the westbound/southbound direction of Highway 4 and Highway 242.  Metering lights in the eastbound/northbound direction will go live on September 24, 2013.

As has been common throughout the state, newly activated ramp locations will experience some delays during the first few days of operation as drivers adjust to the meters.  Caltrans staff will monitor the metered on-ramps and make adjustments to fine-tune the metering operations.

Drivers who want to obtain more information can call the Ramp Metering Information Line number at 510-286-4531.

About (Caltrans)

The California Department of Transportation, Caltrans, manages more than 50,000 miles of California's highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports, and works with local agencies. Caltrans carries out its mission of improving mobility across California with six primary programs: Aeronautics, Highway Transportation, Mass Transportation, Transportation Planning, Administration and the Equipment Service Center.  The department has been active in moving the people and commerce of California for more than 100 years, from a loosely connected web of footpaths and rutted wagon routes to the sophisticated system that today serves the transportation needs of more than 30 million residents.

About Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority is a successful leader in transportation innovation, able to generate funding for local improvements and has a track record of executing projects and strengthening transportation in Contra Costa County.  CCTA was originally formed to manage the funds generated by the half-cent transportation sales tax, which Contra Costa County voters enacted in 1988 and renewed in 2004.  In addition to carrying out the Measure C and Measure J Expenditure Plans, the Authority also serves in the role of Contra Costa County’s Congestion Management Agency and administers the County’s Congestion Management Program.  The Authority has evolved to become a dynamic, highly collaborative and results-oriented regional partner with a reputation for delivering projects that keep Contra Costa moving.  Additional information about CCTA can be found at www.ccta.net

About MTC

Created by the State Legislature in 1970, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is the transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Over the years, the agency’s scope has grown, and it is now three agencies in one, functioning as MTC as well as the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) and the Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways (SAFE).