M32 anti-congestion work planned

A congestion plagued motorway in Bristol may benefit from an innovative new scheme.

 

The Highways Agency plan to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow on the M32 with a system called ramp metering.

 

This system will regulate the flow of traffic joining the motorway on the entry slip road of junction 1 inbound.

 

This work will be carried out during off-peak periods and overnight.

 

It is due to start on February 9 and expected to be completed by mid-March.

 

This will involve installing part-time signals that will automatically come into operation during periods of peak congestion.

 

Highways Agency project sponsor, Sean Walsh, said: “The system is designed so the signals work part-time, during times of heavy traffic on the motorway network.

 

“Motorists joining the motorway may have a few seconds delay at slip road lights, but this short delay will benefit themselves and all motorway users by ensuring they can make their journeys safely and reliably.”

 

Ramp metering will be introduced to 70 sites in England during 2009. This is part of an £18m project.