01658320

Component

https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198118780884

With the challenges of increasing traffic congestion, the concept of managed lanes (MLs) has been gaining popularity recently as a means to effectively improve traffic mobility. MLs are usually designed to be left-lane concurrent with an at-grade access/exit. Such a design forms weaving segments since it requires vehicles to change multiple general purpose lanes (GPLs) to enter or exit the ML. The weaving segments could have a negative impact on traffic safety in the GPLs. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the safety impact of different lengths for each lane change maneuver on GPL weaving segments close to the ingress and egress of MLs through two simulation approaches: VISSIM microsimulation and driving simulator. The two simulation studies are developed based on traffic data collected from freeway I-95 in Miami, Florida. The results from the two simulation studies support each other. Based on the two simulation studies, it is recommended that 1,000 feet be used as the optimal length for per lane change at the GPLs weaving segments with MLs. The safety impact of traffic volume, variable speed limit control strategies, and drivers’ gender and age characteristics are also explored. This study can provide valuable insight for evaluating the traffic performance of freeway weaving segments with the presence of concurrent GPLs and MLs in a highway safety context. It also provides guidelines for future conversion of freeways to include MLs.

18-03175

English

pp 130-141

2018-12

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

Digital/other

Figures (8) ; Maps; Photos; References (15) ; Tables (3)

Driving simulators; Freeways; Highway safety; Highway traffic control; Managed lanes; Traffic congestion; Traffic simulation; Weaving sections

Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 8 2018 10:46AM

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