There's real science behind freeway ramp metering, as I understand it�the semaphore-type signals (modeled on good old city stoplights) provide a steady but variable drip of traffic so highways don't come to a standstill (at least not as often).
But in rush hours I've seen shorter city on-ramps back up more quickly than their more roomy suburban counterparts, and the surrounding urban environment can't handle the overflow as easily as more sprawlingly built areas can. Sometimes that means multiblock gridlock in the neighborhood, with queueing cars blocking thoroughfares, bike lanes, crosswalks, alleys and even intersections. Is this just an occasional occurrence in Minneapolis or is it a regular side effect of city ramp meters? Perhaps the flow rate at our on-ramps needs to take into account the system's unintended urban consequences. Chris Steller Nicollet Island-East Bank REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
