ANALYSIS OF TWO-SIDED WEAVING OPERATIONS

The objectives of this study were to develop a technique for evaluating two-sided weaving operations on one-way frontage roads and to develop recommendations on minimum and desirable ramp-to-intersection spacing. These objectives were accomplished using field data and computer simulation. Density on the weaving link was the proposed measure-of-effectiveness for evaluating two-sided weaving operations. From the results, regression equations were developed to predict density based on frontage road configuration, frontage road volume, exit ramp volume, exit ramp-to-intersection spacing, and percent of exit ramp vehicles making a two-sided weaving maneuver (<= 50% or >50%). Two-sided weaving operations were divided into the following three levels of operation: unconstrained, constrained and undesirable. Using the results from computer simulation in combination with field observations, criteria were developed to predict level of service based on density. By calculating the density for a two-sided weaving area, the level of service can be estimated based on the following criteria: unconstrained (density < 40 veh/km/ln), constrained (density from 40 - 100 veh/km/ln), and undesirable (density > 100 veh/km/ln). To develop recommendations for minimum and desirable spacings, the regression equations developed to predict density were used to back-calculate for spacing. The recommended minimum and desirable spacings are based upon the following factors: frontage road configuration, frontage road volume, exit ramp volume, and percent of exit ramp vehicles making a two-sided weaving maneuver (<=50% or >50%). Based upon findings from this study and findings from previous research, an absolute minimum exit ramp-to-intersection spacing of 150 meters is recommended.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Full conference proceedings available on CD-ROM.
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)

  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Nowlin, R Lewis
  • Fitzpatrick, Kay
• Conference:
  • 68th Annual Meeting of the Institute of Transportation Engineers
  • Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Date: 1998-8-9 to 1998-8-12
• Publication Date: 1998

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 11p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Backcalculation; Field tests; Frontage roads; Intersections; Level of service; Measures of effectiveness; Ramps; Regression analysis; Simulation; Spacing; Traffic density; Traffic volume; Weaving traffic
• Uncontrolled Terms: Two sided weaving operations
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00804978
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 30 2001 12:00AM