Abstract
The study is aimed at determining the extent of weaving intensity induced by u-turning movements at roadway midblock facilities. The objectives are to estimate, weaving and volume ratios, as well as weaving intensity per directional flow. Weaving impact studies were carried out at 4 sites in Malaysia during daylight and dry weather conditions. Twenty four hours traffic volume, speed, headway and vehicle types' were collected continuously for 8 weeks from January to March 2012 for both directional traffic flows. Survey data were supplemented with information culled from the Malaysian Public Works Departments highway design manual. Results show that weaving, deceleration and diverging to entry lane are less severe than those caused by acceleration and merging from exit. The study concluded that weaving intensity is heightened in the vicinity of the Midblock entry carriageway lane.
Highlights
Midblock U-turn facilities are often constructed as a cost effective way of alleviating congestion and road safety problems
In Malaysia where the left hand driving rule is in place, drivers will tend to keep to the right lane; decelerate when diverging, accelerate when converging
While it is recognized that midblock u-turning design must be appropriate to the specific needs of a particular country, it can be argued that the depth of understanding and experience gained from this study is more relevant to traffic control and management decision making in Malaysia than readily transferable solutions from other countries
Summary
Midblock U-turn facilities are often constructed as a cost effective way of alleviating congestion and road safety problems. The existence of traffic shockwave at the weaving area of midblock u-turning facilities is a clear indication of inherent road safety risk. In Malaysia where the left hand driving rule is in place, drivers will tend to keep to the right lane; decelerate when diverging, accelerate when converging These dangerous manoeuvres beg the question; ‘what are the induced traffic flow consequences when the lead vehicle decelerates or accelerates abruptly? When ascertaining the extent of drivers’ reaction induced by weaving, merging and diverging at midblock u-turning facilities the study focused on key parameters like, weaving intensity, kinematic shockwaves gap acceptance and delays at u-. The study explores associations between traffic flows and deft manoeuvres u-turning movements at midblock facilities in other to derive safety indicators or early warning signs that will assist practitioners and policy makers in determining the effectiveness of decision-making. The study is based on the hypothesis that u-turning facilities at roadway segments have significant impact on weaving, merging and diverging manoeuvres
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