RALEIGH -- If your daily commute takes you along the westbound side of Interstate 540 be prepared because new on-ramp traffic signals will take effect Tuesday.           

It's the first of its kind in the Tar Heel State, but several states around the country already have the traffic signals in place.           

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says the signals will help moderate the amount of traffic entering the highway.

Officials add that smoother merges and traffic flow will ultimately create more reliable freeway times, improve safety and lead to fewer crashes.

"This is a quick solution to get on the ground and get immediate impact for a fraction of the cost of what a full blown widening project would be,” said John Sandor, a traffic engineer for the N.C. Dept. of Transportation.

DOT officials say this project cost about $1.4 million.

They say a much more expensive widening project is likely to take place several years down the road.