Colorado Springs residents have long complained about the rush that occurs at dual ramp meters on Interstate 25. A recent email to KRDO’s “The Road Warrior” described how drivers at the front of two‑lane on‑ramps receive a green signal simultaneously, then race to merge into a single freeway lane. The viewer asked why Colorado doesn’t adopt the staggered meter system that Arizona uses.
How Arizona’s staggered meters work
Arizona’s Department of Transportation confirmed that the state employs a staggered meter system on its freeway on‑ramps. Only one vehicle receives a green light at a time, creating a safe gap between entering cars. Doug Nick, a spokesperson for the Arizona DOT, said the alternating meters are designed to provide “a reasonable amount of space, a safe amount of space” for drivers merging onto the highway, and he called the system “very effective.”
Colorado’s mixed approach
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) responded that the state uses both staggered and dual meters, depending on the ramp’s physical constraints. Staggered meters require an overhead signal, and many Colorado ramps lack sufficient space for such installations. “Some ramps simply don’t have enough room for an overhead signal,” a CDOT representative explained.
CDOT noted that staggered meters are also employed on overhead or roadside signals where feasible. However, the department did not specify which local ramps currently operate with staggered timing.
Where the heaviest traffic occurs
In Colorado Springs, the busiest ramp traffic on I‑25 is reported at the Fillmore Street, Garden of the Gods Road, and Woodmen Road interchanges. The southbound Woodmen ramp already features both overhead and roadside signals, and crews are installing an additional overhead signal on the northbound Fillmore Street ramp to improve flow.
What drivers can do
Regardless of meter type, CDOT emphasized that safe driving practices remain essential. Drivers are urged to obey the signals, maintain a reasonable distance from the vehicle ahead, and merge calmly to avoid accidents.
Why the difference matters to families
For parents shuttling children to school or work, a smoother merge can reduce stress and improve safety on a busy commuter corridor. While Colorado’s geography and existing infrastructure limit the universal rollout of staggered meters, targeted upgrades—like the new overhead signal on Fillmore Street—show CDOT’s commitment to addressing congestion where possible.
Looking ahead
CDOT continues to evaluate ramp configurations across the state. Future projects may prioritize staggered meters on ramps that can accommodate overhead signals, while maintaining dual meters where space constraints persist. Residents are encouraged to report problematic ramp conditions to CDOT so that the agency can prioritize improvements that benefit the community.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
