EFFECT OF BRIDGE WIDTH ON HIGHWAY SAFETY

Bridge width, both absolute and relative, has long been considered a major factor affecting safety at bridge sites. Accident rates are significantly higher for bridges with width less than the approach traveled way width. Ideally, the bridge width should be at least the same as the approach roadway width from a safety standpoint. However, the costs associated with bridge structures are very high in comparison to a normal roadway section, especially for long-span structures. In terms of costs, it is economically prohibitive to upgrade all existing bridges to the full approach roadway width. Some trade-off is therefore necessary, particularly for minor roadways with low traffic volume. A critical review of available literature on the safety effects of bridge width was conducted as part of a Transportation Research Board study on geometric design standards for resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation projects on non-Interstate highways. The results of the literature review and synthesis are presented in this paper.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/state-of-the-art/6/6-002.pdf
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309045029
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appears in Transportation Research Board State-of-the-Art Report No. 6, Relationship Between Safety and Key Highway Features: A Synthesis of Prior Research.Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

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  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Mak, K K
• Publication Date: 1987

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 22-35
• Serial:
  • State-of-the-Art Report
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0892-6891

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Bridge design; Bridges; Costs; Crash rates; Economics; Geometric design; Highway safety; State of the art studies; Structural design; Width
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Economics; Finance; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00490516
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0-309-04502-9
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jan 31 1990 12:00AM