Traffic performance on transition between two lane and four lane rural roads

This paper describes a study which investigated the changes in traffic mean speed and bunching at transitions between two lane and four lane rural roads. Experiments were conducted using flat metal and rubber detector strips coupled to a microprocessor recorder unit. Changes in traffic parameters with position were found to occur more rapidly on entry to a four lane road than on merging into two lanes. The effects of traffic flow and desired speed were isolated, in order to demonstrate the changes in traffic performance directly due to the transitions in road type. The measurement of bunching was shown to be quite sensitive to the criterion chosen. Since no clear criterion could be established, bunching figures should be regarded as comparative, rather than absolute, values. The aim of the experiments was to provide validating data for simulation programs, and to predict traffic behaviour on passing lanes. The data is somewhat limited, covering only sunday traffic at two sites, over a wide range of flow rates. The influence of trucks on these results is not known. The findings may be of interest in the study of rural transition points and temporary detours.

• Record URL:
  http://arrbknowledge.com
• Authors:
  • Hoban, C J
• Conference:
  • Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) Conference, 10th, 1980, Sydney
• Publication Date: 1980-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 33-42
• Monograph Title: Procedures for analysis of traffic flow patterns using detector loops
• Serial:
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue Number: 4

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bunching; Data collection; Mathematical models; Merging traffic; Multilane highways; Passing; Rural highways; Speed; Traffic flow; Two lane highways; Vehicle detectors; Weekends
• ATRI Terms: Bunching; Data collection; Merging traffic; Modelling; Multilane; Overtaking; Rural road; Speed; Traffic flow; Two lane road; Vehicle detector; Weekend
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01439186
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 24 2012 10:04PM