Analytical Capacity Comparison of One-Way and Two-Way Signalized Street Networks

Recently cities have been converting traditional one-way downtown street networks to two-way operation partly because one-way networks are seen as confusing and as less conducive to economic activity and a livable environment and they require vehicles to travel longer distances on average. However, one of the main disadvantages of such conversions is thought to be a reduction in the network’s ability to serve vehicles. Intersections in two-way networks can serve fewer vehicles per unit time than their one-way counterparts. Several studies have assessed the differences between these two types of networks, but most studies are site specific and do not consider the best possible two-way networks. This paper presents an analytical model that uses macroscopic analysis techniques to compare various one-way and two-way networks using their trip-serving capacities. This metric is a key indicator of network performance. Two-way networks can serve more trips per unit time than one-way networks when average trip lengths are short. This study also found that two-way networks in which left-turn movements were banned at intersections could always serve trips at a higher rate than one-way networks could, even long trips. Thus, the trip-serving capacity of a one-way network can actually be increased when it is converted to two-way operation if left turns are banned. In this way, livability and efficiency objectives can be achieved simultaneously. This framework can be used by planners and engineers to determine how much a network’s capacity changes after a conversion, and also to unveil superior conversion options.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/2301-09
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Analytical+Capacity+Comparison+of+One-Way+and+Two-Way+Signalized+Street+Networks&author=V.+Gayah&author=C.+Daganzo&publication_year=2012
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/168307.aspx
• Authors:
  • Gayah, Vikash V
  • Daganzo, Carlos F
• Publication Date: 2012

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 76–85
• Monograph Title: Operational Effects of Geometrics and Access Management 2012
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2301
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Central business districts; Highway capacity; Left turns; Macroscopic traffic flow; One way streets; Signalized intersections; Streets; Traffic models; Trip length
• Uncontrolled Terms: Road networks
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01366447
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309262996
• Report/Paper Numbers: 12-1100
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 29 2012 7:14AM