CDOT begins wiring for new ramp metering signals along I-25

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Crews for the Colorado Department of Transportation have begun wiring the new metering signals along ramps of I-25 in Colorado Springs.

A total of 12 ramps entering the freeway ranging from Nevada Avenue down to South Academy Boulevard will be installed by spring.

Michelle Peulen, a CDOT communications manager, says these new signals will improve traffic congestion during rush hour as the city grows.

"It basically comes down to safety," she said. "With more congestion we start seeing those crashes, so this will be a way for us to safely control how folks enter the interstate."

Peulen says the signals will automatically turn on when traffic on I-25 in Colorado Springs reaches 45 miles per hour. The meter will delay drivers by a few seconds and allow them to merge onto the freeway at a steadier pace.

But many drivers filling their gas tanks at a Kum & Go next to Fillmore Street said they have mixed feelings.

"People here don't follow the rules really too much so it would just cause a bunch of havoc," said Joshua Jiron.

"I feel like it's going to cause more accidents than actually help it," said Makayla Diaz.

Other drivers like Dan Hampton said they encounter similar traffic signals in Denver and along the I-70 corridor when going skiing. He says they probably would improve some of the local traffic flow.

"Actually I think they do [help]," Dan said. "They're just kind of annoying."

Crews will be working Monday through Thursday along the 12 designated freeway ramps.