GUIDELINES FOR LEFT-TURN TREATMENTS AT SIGNAL CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS

The main objective of this research was to identify a procedure by which the impact of left turns and left turn control method on performance of the whole intersection can be quantified. A step by step procedure was developed for: 1) Field data collection at intersections; 2) Evaluation of the need for left turn bays; 3) Evaluation of the need for left turn phasing. The same procedure, of course, will help the traffic engineer to recognize the capacity problem that requires the consideration of left turn control prohibition. This research involved both computer simulation studies and field studies. The field studies produced results which clearly established that very significant site to site variations exist in the operational performance of seemingly similar signalized intersections. It is, therefore, suggested that a comprehensive field study is needed in order for the traffic engineer to fully understand the complex interaction of geometrics and signal timing with the traffic streams. It is recommended that the guidelines, which include instructions for field data collection, and assume the application of a signal operation analysis program, such as SOAP, be followed in the evaluation of left turn control needs at fully actuated signalized intersections. (Author)

  • Corporate Authors:

    Ohio State University, Columbus

    Engineering Experiment Station, 2070 Neil Avenue
    Columbus, OH  United States  43210

    Ohio Department of Transportation

    P.O. Box 889
    Columbus, OH  United States  43215

    Federal Highway Administration

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Nemeth, Z A
    • Mekemson
  • Publication Date: 1983-6

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 284 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00391001
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-OH-83-003 Final Rpt.
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Jan 30 1985 12:00AM