Edinburgh Napier University

  EUropean RAmp Metering Project (EURAMP)

EURAMP is a comprehensive, up-to-date, representative, collective European action focused on ramp metering control measures in European motorways in the aim of improving safety and increasing efficiency of traffic flow. Daily recurrent and non-recurrent congestions on European motorways lead to a substantial degradation of the expensive motorway infrastructure, reduced traffic safety and excessive environmental pollution. Ramp metering is the most direct and effective control measure towards an optimal, orderly and safe utilisation of the motorway infrastructure. EURAMP comprises some of the most knowledgeable and experienced European actors in the area of ramp metering and motorway traffic control, as well as 5 representative sites (from 5 European countries) ranging from the European ramp metering pioneers (Ile-de-France, The Netherlands) to utter newcomers (Tel Aviv ). A description of related user needs and state of developments is a first limited-effort concern of EURAMP. A helpdesk providing advice and support to ramp metering sites will be continuously operated during the project’s lifetime. Major innovation areas and end products of EURAMP are advanced network-wide approaches (including an interoperable software prototype) as well as various safety-critical issues and related implications of ramp metering; furthermore, isolated ramp metering as well as integration with adjacent signal control and further control measures are also addressed. New and old developments will be implemented, comprehensively tested and cross evaluated in EURAMP’s sites so as to ensure the achievement of the above stated objectives and foster European competitiveness. A variety of dissemination and exploitation activities, including a ‘Handbook of Ramp Metering’, will ensure the lasting character of EURAMP efforts in establishing safe and efficient traffic conditions on European motorways.