On-Ramp Traffic Signals Are Now On I-95 In Boca Raton

More South Florida drivers are becoming acquainted with "on-ramp traffic signals."

They have started showing up at some Boca Raton I-95 interchanges.

“So the idea behind them is to basically break up the number of vehicles that merge onto 95 at one time.”

Ryan Drendel, the Florida Department of Transportation's freeway operations engineer tells CBS 12 News that drivers see a flashing light on the approach to the entrance ramp, letting them know that a traffic light is ahead.

Once they reach the top of the ramp, they'll have to stop at a red light for what Drendel describes as about two seconds before merging onto the Interstate.

But some drivers say they are skeptical as to whether these red lights will make anyone safer.

"I've seen people drive in the morning. They drive crazy. They're not going to obey that law."

The signals are only operating during the Monday through Friday busy rush hours for the time being.

"After those 60 days they will only turn on when traffic on 95 in that area gets down to below an average speed of 45 miles per hour."

So far, FDOT has installed the equipment at Glades Road, Spanish River Blvd, and Yamato Road in Boca Raton. Next up is Congress Avenue and the eventual plan is to have them at all I-95 entrance ramps in Palm Beach County.

These on-ramp signals are more widely used in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area.