Perceived Costs and Benefit of Reversible Lanes in Phoenix, Arizona

Peak-hour reversible lanes have been used on two major arterial roads in Phoenix, Arizona for several decades. However, a recent infill development proposal for the area renewed public attention on the lanes. The community feared that the reversible lanes would complicate access to the infill site and increase cut-through traffic in adjacent neighborhoods. This article describes a survey that was conducted to investigate the perceived benefits and costs of the lanes. Businesses, pedestrians, drivers and residents were surveyed. The survey included questions about actual experience during use, opinions about what to do about the lanes, and demographic questions. The findings showed opinions differed significantly between the four surveyed groups regarding the reversible lanes. Although all groups agreed that the reversible lanes have significant problems, opinions varied on how to remedy these issues. The most common recommendation was to improve signage, add more left-turn opportunities along the streets, and improve enforcement of left-turn rules. A significant number of respondents were in favor of terminating the operation of the reversible lanes during peak periods. The Phoenix City Council took the results of the survey into account when they considered the issue of the reversible lanes. After debate and further study, the Council resolved to update signage, increase enforcement and allow left turns at one particular intersection.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/614107147
• Authors:
  • Golub, Aaron
• Publication Date: 2012-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 38-42
• Serial:
  • ITE Journal
  • Volume: 82
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
  • ISSN: 0162-8178
  • Serial URL: https://www.ite.org/publications/ite-journal/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Public opinion; Reversible traffic lanes; Stakeholders; Surveys; Traffic signs
• Geographic Terms: Phoenix (Arizona)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01450048
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 23 2012 9:12AM