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I think I understand what variable message signs are, and I can guess at changeable lane control, but what are the sprinklers and pumps for? What is ramp meteri
by unwind 9y ago
I think I understand what variable message signs are, and I can guess at changeable lane control, but what are the sprinklers and pumps for? What is ramp metering?
Very interesting (as always with good geekery almost regardless of actual subject matter), but so frustrating that the part about pumps and sprinklers not being answered.
The linked-to PDF in the article (the one that the quote above comes from) doesn't mention sprinklers or pumps more than once, either.
I guess traffic intersections often have decorative planting which might need watering and it would make sense to make the already-present light controller handle that, too. That's my best guess, at least. Some basic googling didn't turn up anything useful.
- owlninja 9y agoThere has been a followup if you go to the homepage "DOTs in California and presumably elsewhere often have a need for erosion control on the steep inclines of earth surrounding their highway ramps. So any time you see a 45-degree incline covered in greenery, chances are it has a sprinkler system attached and carefully maintained by the DOT. Those same sprinklers are often within a few feet of the ramp's metering lights…"