DEVELOPING LEFT-TURN LANE GUIDELINES FOR PRIORITY INTERSECTIONS IN THE STATE OF KANSAS

There is a general agreement that a left-turn lane should be warranted on a benefit cost basis. However, existing documents do not provide accurate techniques to predict the two items (the reduction of delay and the left-turn-lane length) that are needed in such an approach. This study shows that the problem can be solved by using the results of two developed simulation models. The two models are attempts to duplicate the traffic of an uncontrolled approach at a two-lane by two-lane priority intersection. One model represents a without left-turn-lane condition and the other represents a with left-turn lane condition. In order to facilitiate the use of the simulated results for actual design purposes, design charts and tables were produced from simulated computer runs. A manual is also developed to give the user a systematized guide to the left-turn lane design problems. Application of the study results are intended for use in the state of Kansas and are limited to a two-lane by two-lane priority intersection. Although the approach and methodologies reported in the study are felt applicable to other locations and for other purposes, the users are cautioned to observe the limits of the study results. /Author/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by Kansas DOT and prepared in cooperation with DOT, Federal Highway Adminsitration.
• Corporate Authors:

  Center for Research, Incorporated

  Kansas University, 2385 Irving Road
  Lawrence, KS  United States  66045
• Authors:
  • Lee, Jong Jae
• Publication Date: 1978-2

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 82 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Base lines; Benefit cost analysis; Design; Guidelines; Intersections; Left turns; Regulatory signs; Strategic planning; Traffic delays
• Old TRIS Terms: Left turn only
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00178415
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-KS-78-1 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: KsDOT-77-1
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 29 1978 12:00AM