Unsignalized Full Median Openings in Close Proximity to Signalized Intersections

Many agencies discourage access within the functional area of a signalized intersection, as recommended in current access management guidelines, which also suggests that unsignalized median openings be bidirectional openings designed for only left turns from the roadway (and possibly U-turns). Closely spaced median openings can result in a complex pattern of overlapping conflicts and a resulting range of safety and operational impacts, while full-access intersections may be unnecessary and result in negative impacts on traffic operations. Managing access is the best solution in most cases; however, there are few guidelines on what parameters an agency should consider when selecting between full- versus restricted-access medians. In addition, removing movements reduces conflict points and, when located and designed correctly, an unsignalized median opening may improve operations at a signalized intersection. This report presents a quantifiable approach for evaluating the operational and safety performance associated with unsignalized full median openings located near upstream and downstream traffic signals that have at least one turning bay. The report also provides guidelines for evaluating the performance of other median opening configurations.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 108p
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01732718
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 9780309481144
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Project 15-64
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: Mar 4 2020 1:17PM