What is Ramp Closure?
Ramp closure often involves the use of automatic or manual gates, and barriers to restrict vehicles from entering and exiting a freeway. In cases where ramps need to be closed quickly (e.g., severe wheather or emergencies), ramps may be closed by enforcement personnel stationed in vehicles positioned in front of a ramp. If ramps will be permanently closed, more extreme methods such as physically removing the ramp pavement may be used. Regardless of the method used to close a ramp, closures will have a significant impact on existing traffic patterns. Closures will result in traffic diverting to upstream and downstream ramps. As a result, traffic volumes and congestion will likely increase on nearby ramps and adjacent arterials. Similarly, traffic problems that had once occurred at the closed ramp may shift to other locations. Considering these impacts, ramp closures should only be considered for severe safety problems that cannot be addressed through any other ramp management technique.
