COST EFFEFCTIVE GEOMETRIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR SAFETY UPGRADING OF HORIZONTAL CURVES. VOLUME I. FINAL REPORT

The purpose of this study was to determine the horizontal curve features which affect safety and traffic operations and to quantify the effects on accidents of various curve-related improvements. The primary data base developed and analyzed consisted of 10,900 horizontal curves in Washington State. Three existing Federal data bases on curves were also analyzed. These data bases included the cross-section data base of nearly 5,000 mi (8,050 m) of roadway from 7 States, a surrogate data base of vehicle operations on 78 curves in New York State, and 3,277 curve segments from 4 States. Based on statistical analyses and model development, variables found to have a significant effect on accidents include degree of curvature, roadway width, curve length, ADT, presence of a spiral, superelevation, and roadside condition. Curve flattening is expected to reduce accidents by up to 80%, depending on the amount of flattening. Widening lanes or shoulders on curves can reduce curve accidents by as much as 33%, while adding spiral transitions on curves is associated with a 5% accident reduction. Improving deficient superelevation can reduce accidents by 10% or more. The effects of specific roadside improvements are also quantified. An economic analysis was conducted to determine when curve flattening and/or widening are cost effective.

  • Corporate Authors:

    University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

    Highway Safety Research Center
    Chapel Hill, NC  United States  27599

    Federal Highway Administration

    Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, 6300 Georgetown Pike
    McLean, VA  United States  22101
  • Authors:
    • Zegeer, C
    • Stewart, R
    • Reinfurt, D
    • Council, F
    • Neuman, T
    • Hamilton, E
    • Miller, T
    • Hunter, W
  • Publication Date: 1990-7

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 237 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00645989
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-90-021, NCP 3A5A0083
  • Contract Numbers: DTFH61-86-C-00041
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Mar 31 1994 12:00AM