UDOT is trying out a new ramp metering method at the freeway entrance that uses a simultaneous release system, meaning cars in all three lanes will get a green light at once.

Usually, the ramp metering system only permits entry onto the freeway one lane at a time.

UDOT says the new measure that it is testing aims to improve the flow of traffic entering I-15 while reducing the typical bottlenecks that often plague on-ramps, such as the one at Pioneer Crossing.

“We’re always looking to improve (freeway) mainline flow, which is I-15 for us,” said Wyatt Woolley, communications manager for UDOT Region 3. “And so we’re always looking to see how we can improve our ramp metering or protect the mainline flow, and we came to this new form of ramp metering — which is all three lights go green at the same time.”

The method aligns with a future system that UDOT plans to implement, called Coordinated Adaptive Ramp Metering, or CARM.

UDOT says it is still a few years out from using the system, but CARM, it says, will use real-time traffic data to “dynamically manage how many vehicles enter I-15.”

The transportation agency says that, ultimately, it wants to ease stress of drivers by optimizing traffic flow, and the current testing measure is a step toward the future.

According to UDOT, a similar ramp metering system is already in place in Colorado, and its approach abides by all federal traffic and control standards.

“And so they’re testing here to see how it goes, and I assume they’re going to start implementing it in more areas if this proves to be effective,” Woolley said.

For Utah County drivers who frequently enter southbound I-15 at the Pioneer Crossing on-ramp, it’s not unusual to experience traffic congestion, especially during peak morning and evening commute times.

On a Lehi City Facebook post Wednesday, which gave a heads up to drivers about the traffic signal experiment, comments in response to the project were skeptical that it would make much of a difference.

“I remain unconvinced that metering does anything but create backed up traffic,” one woman wrote.

Another commenter made a joking reference to the movie “Talladega Nights” but also expressed hope that the measure will work.

“If you ain’t first your last! Hopefully this improves traffic flow,” the man wrote.

However, UDOT says things shouldn’t feel too out of the ordinary for drivers getting onto I-15 at the Pioneer Crossing on-ramp.

The agency believes it will result in a higher overall vehicle release rate and is says commuters should expect to maintain the same merge and right-of-way dynamics as when the ramp meters are off.

“Just obey the laws of the road, be safe and merge appropriately and safely and politely with your fellow drivers, and you should be able to get on the mainline to I-15 pretty smoothly,” Woolley said.

Residents who’d like to offer feedback on the measure are welcome to do so by visiting UDOT’s public input form at https://tinyurl.com/y2sb4ze6 or go to udot.utah.gov.