Once again we’re being told to watch for Halloween traffic. It’s gonna’ get SSSCCCAAARRRYYY!!! But, once again, we’re being told mainly by people who don’t have a clue about what’s going on. Sure, traffic’s gonna’ be tough today. But guess what? If it wasn’t that’sthe exception to the rule! Many of these 4-wheel doom-sayers are just regurgitating stories written months or years ago, then trotted out every Halloween so they won’t have to do as much work. I guarantee you traffic will not be as bad as last Friday evening when it rained. That was a disaster. The only real difference this evening will be on neighborhood streets where the little kids will be running around in their costumes, many wearing masks with limited visibility. That’s where you have to be careful. But “Madman’ you say! What about early this afternoon? Everyone’s gonna’ try to get a jump on gettin’ home to get ready?!? Once again I’m not worried. Did you see the back-up yesterday afternoon, before three, after a truck wreck took out a right lane on 85 northbound near Shallowford? Past North Druid Hills. Now that’s ssscccaaarrryyy! So, take it from me, when you hear these prognosticators of rolling doom tell you it’s gonna’ be bad just keep in mind they probably work from home. Or ride MARTA. They’re not a true rush hour warrior like you and me.
Archive for October, 2008
Once again we’re seeing more ramp meters going on-line around Atlanta. Ramp meters are those timed traffic lights on interstate on-ramps. In casual conversation I’ve heard many people, friends and family included, criticise the ramp lights. And ya’ know, up until earlier this year I would have been right with them. Then I found out something. They really work!
Yep. A relatively inexpensive method that actually does what it’s supposed to! I know it doesn’t seem like it. Initially. But local traffic management people have seen very good results.In some cases double digit improvements in traffic flow! The key has been management. The meters pace traffic through the use of sensors in the road and cameras. They’ll time you down the ramp so when you get there you’ll have some space to merge, rather than slowing or speeding up creating hazardous driving conditions. They adjust according to the flow, including the amount of traffic on the ramp. People at the Traffic Management Center are also watching the cameras and can override the system or can even shut it down manually if they have to when things just get too heavy. The only thing about em’ that can be frustrating is, under Georgia law, if you run a ramp light it’s the same as running a red light and you can get a ticket. So, give em’ a chance.
In light of the DOT claiming poverty on road improvement projects etc., it’s one fairly inexpensive idea that goes along with my traffic mantra of: “Manage What You Got!”
