New ramp meters in Liberty Lake to begin operating Tuesday, Aug 25

Meters will help manage traffic entering westbound I-90 during peak commute hours

LIBERTY LAKE - Drivers entering westbound Interstate 90 in Liberty Lake will soon see ramp meters along two on-ramps. The meters will help traffic merge efficiently and manage congestion during busy commute hours.

Washington State Department of Transportation traffic engineers will activate the ramp meters at the westbound I-90 Harvard Road and Liberty Lake Road on-ramps at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Signs at each ramp will inform drivers when the meters are operating. They will be active weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m. and 1 to 6 p.m.

Ramp meters are traffic signals that control the rate vehicles enter a freeway. When the meters are active, drivers must stop at the red light and proceed when the signal turns green. In Liberty Lake, one vehicle may proceed per green light.

The meters are designed to space out vehicles entering I-90, helping traffic merge smoothly and reduce congestion when traffic is heavier.

Drivers should plan for a brief wait at the ramp meters when they are operating and follow the posted signs and signals.