Abstract

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are one [of] the most commonly used methods to reduce the number of vehicles on the road network. HOV provides a faster and reliable option to single occupancy vehicles, thus inducing more people to car pool. The success of HOV lanes depends on the reduction of travel time and increased trip reliability. Therefore, in order to reduce travel time and improve trip reliability this study emphasizes on the HOV access location relative to an access ramp. In this case we have chosen the interchange at Erin Mills Parkway and Highway 403 as a subject of our study. The study was divided into 2 parts, namely the field review and simulation of different options in order to optimize the HOV access location. During the field review it was found that 75% of the vehicles are in a position to enter the HOV lane 200m upstream of the exiting access location. Also, approximately 35% of vehicles were jumping the buffer before the start of the access location. In the second part of the study a total of 6 options were explored using VISSIM micro simulation software. The results of the simulation showed that the access location 200m downstream of the Speed Change Lane with a total access length of 600m is the best option. In addition, it was found that buffer separated HOV lane operate better then HOV lane without a buffer zone. This can be attributed to the increase of HOV lane for short trips, which increases the traffic volume on the HOV lane.

Highlights

  • The increase in population of urban areas and the subsequent increase in traffic has compelled many cities to seek innovative solution to congestion on roads

  • The study will provide a stepping stone for designing the access location based on the vehicles readiness to merge into the High-Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lane contrary to the existing standards, which are based on weaving zone analysis, distance required by the driver to complete a lane change or a combination of both

  • The literature review conducted emphasized on a combination of practical experience from existing HOV facilities around North America, traffic modeling conducted relevant to the subject and practical experience gathered over the years

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Summary

INTRODUCTION

The increase in population of urban areas and the subsequent increase in traffic has compelled many cities to seek innovative solution to congestion on roads. The introduction of High-Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes is one of the commonly used means to mitigate congestion. HOV lanes are defined as a specific lane reserved exclusively for high-occupancy vehicle with a specified minimum number of occupants (Abdulhai, 2004). In the late 1960's United States started using HOV lanes and its use has increase ever since (NCHRP Report 414, 1998). A single HOV lane operating under favorable conditions can double the person-carrying capacity of the whole roadway. HOV lanes have been found to improve travel time saving, trip reliability, decrease in emission and improved efficiency of the entire network (NCHRP Report 414, 1998)

Site Characteristics
Objective and Sub-objective
Project Significance
Field/Visual Methodology
Simulation Methodology
LITERATURE REVIEW
Long Island Expressway and New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT)
California Transportation (Caltrans) and US Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Highway 401- Ministry of Transportation Ontario, Canada
Human Factors/Ergonomic Analysis
VISSIM Simulation Model (Texas)
MTO Field Review
Analysis of Literature Review
ANALYSIS OF STUDY RESULTS
Simulation
Option-1
Option-2
Option-4
Option -6 - 100m downstream of the taper for SCL
LIMITATIONS
SUMMARY
50: OpLtainoens-:5
Findings
CONCLUSION
Full Text
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