EFFECTS OF TAPER LENGTH ON TRAFFIC OPERATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION ZONES

The study dealt with a proposed taper length formula that yields shorter tapers at design speeds below 60 mph than the existing formula, L=WS. Speed, erratic maneuvers, conflicts and encroachment data were collected at four sites, day and night, covering a variety of design speeds and taper lengths. The analyses of the collected data do not implicate the proposed taper lengths as being more hazardous. Erratic-maneuver and slow-moving conflicts rates were never greater with the proposed taper than with the standard or existing taper. There was no indication that the proposed taper lengths resulted in a greater number of passenger vehicle or truck encroachments on adjacent lanes.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Midwest Research Institute

    425 Volker Boulevard
    Kansas City, MO  United States  64110-2299
  • Authors:
    • Graham, Jerry L
    • Sharp, M C
  • Publication Date: 1977-12

Media Info

  • Pagination: 43 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00179508
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-77-162 Final Rpt., HS-022 906
  • Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-8121
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Aug 27 1989 12:00AM