01623764

Component

https://doi.org/10.3141/2635-04

In weaving segments, traffic merges, diverges, and weaves in a limited space. These traffic maneuvers might result in high crash hazards. To improve the safety of a congested expressway weaving segment, this study tested various active traffic management (ATM) strategies in microsimulations. Crash odds and the Surrogate Safety Assessment Model were used to evaluate the impact of ATM strategies on traffic safety. The crash odds were calculated based on the real-time safety analysis model for weaving segments. The strategies included ramp metering (RM), variable speed limit (VSL), and integrated RM and VSL (RM-VSL). Overall, the results showed that the ATM strategies improved the safety of the studied weaving segment. The modified ALINEA RM algorithms, which took lane occupancy and safety into consideration, outperformed the traditional ALINEA algorithm from a safety perspective. The 45 mph VSLs, which were located at the upstream of the studied weaving segment, significantly enhanced safety without notably increasing average travel time. A consolidated RM-VSL strategy was also proposed with the aim of improving traffic safety by implementing RM and VSL. In the consolidated RM-VSL strategy, the modified ALINEA RM was adjusted according to the queue length to prevent long queues on ramps. The results proved that the consolidated RM-VSL strategy reduced the number of conflicts by 16.8% and decreased the crash odds by 6.0%.

01631075

17-00248

English

0000-0001-7901-3995

pp 28–35

2017

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

9780309441612

Digital/other

Figures (2) ; References (30) ; Tables (4)

Expressways; Highway traffic control; Ramp metering; Safety management; Traffic flow; Traffic safety; Travel time; Variable speed limits; Weaving traffic

Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Dec 8 2016 9:59AM

• Application of an Intelligent Transportation System in a Travel Time Information System: Safety Assessment and Management
• Developing a Web-Based Tool to Track Highway Safety Planning Progress in California
• Geographic Information System–Based Spatial and Statistical Analysis of Severe Crash Hotspot Accessibility to Hospitals
• Improving the Self-Explaining Performance of Czech National Roads
• Multiobjective Evaluation in Countermeasure Selection at Two-Way Stop-Controlled Intersections: Considering Traffic Operation, Safety, and Environment
• Observations on the Use of Crash Modification Factor-Corrected Crash Prediction Models to Identify Sites with Promise
• Probability of Secondary Crash Occurrence on Freeways with the Use of Private-Sector Speed Data
• Roadway Safety Policy and Leadership: Case Study of Six Midwest States
• Trend Analyses of Emergency Medical Services for Motor Vehicle Crashes: Michigan Case Study
• Understanding Traffic Safety Culture: Implications for Increasing Traffic Safety