Development, Evaluation and Application of Left Turn Signal Warrants

Development, Evaluation and Application of Left Turn Signal Warrants
Author: Jonathan Upchurch
Publisher:
Total Pages: 220
Release: 1991
Genre: Electronic traffic controls
ISBN:

This study dealt with five types of left turn signal phasing: permissive, leading exclusive, lagging exclusive, leading exclusive/permissive, and lagging exclusive/permissive. The objectives of this research project were to: (1) develop a research work plan to conduct a statistically valid study for the development of numerical warrants for left turn movements; and (2) prepare a database of available information on signalized intersections and select the intersections to be used in the future study. This report describes the database of Arizona signalized intersections created in this project, the findings on left turn accident rates for different types of left turn phasing (using a nonrandom sample), and results of a validation study of the TEXAS computer simulation model. It also presents a research work plan for a future research project.

Development of Warrants for Installation of Dual Right-turn Lanes at Signalized Intersections

Development of Warrants for Installation of Dual Right-turn Lanes at Signalized Intersections
Author: Yi Qi
Publisher:
Total Pages: 126
Release: 2012
Genre: Right-turn lanes
ISBN:

Right-turn lanes provide space for the deceleration and storage of right-turn vehicles, and separate turning vehicles from through movements. Dual right-turn lanes are increasingly used at urban intersections primarily for two reasons: (1) to accommodate high right-turn demands and avoid turn-pocket overflows, and/or (2) to prevent right-turn vehicles that exit from a nearby upstream freeway off-ramp (on the left of the roadway) from abruptly changing too many lanes toward the right-turn lane at the intersection. In addition, a number of other factors may affect the decisions on the installation of dual right-turn lanes. However, warrants for dual right lane installation are almost non-existent, leaving traffic engineers to rely on engineering judgment. This research aims to develop warrants for installation of dual right-turn lanes at signalized intersections. Both the operational and safety benefits/costs were analyzed by surveying traffic engineers and by conducting traffic simulation-based analysis. Microscopic traffic simulation model, VISSIM, was used to quantify the operation benefits and Surrogate Safety Assessment Model (SSAM) developed by Siemens was used to analyze the safety gains due to installation of dual right-turn lanes.

Assessment of Multiple Left-turn Phasing Strategies

Assessment of Multiple Left-turn Phasing Strategies
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2004
Genre: Left-turn lanes
ISBN:

In Missouri, multiple left-turns are gaining popularity. However, the installation of these multiple left-turn raises questions for which the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has not yet developed answers. Specifically, MoDOT seeks guidance on: Criteria for determining when to install double and triple left-turns. The type of phasing to be used for dual and triple left-turn lanes. Whether to use "Dallas" or permitted lead-lag phasing for any left-turn lanes. Where to begin reducing the number receiving lanes downstream of an intersection with multiple left-turn lanes

Development of Left-turn Lane Warrants for Unsignalized Intersections

Development of Left-turn Lane Warrants for Unsignalized Intersections
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2010
Genre: Left-turn lanes
ISBN:

Left-turn movements at intersections, including driveways - especially movements that are made from lanes that are shared with through traffic - cause delays and adversely impact safety. Although left-turn warrants have been updated, many agencies still use research performed by M. Harmelink from the mid-1960s. While most states use procedures that are based on Harmelink, a number of limitations of Harmelink's procedure have been identified. Economic analysis can provide a useful method for combining traffic operations and safety benefits of left-turn lanes to identify situations in which left-turn lanes are and are not justified economically. This project used a benefit-cost approach to determine when a left-turn lane would be justified. The steps included simulation to determine delay savings from installing a left-turn lane, crash costs and crash reduction savings determined from safety performance functions and accident modification factors available in the "Highway Safety Manual," and construction costs. Left-turn lane warrants were developed for rural two-lane highways, rural four-lane highways, and urban and suburban roadways. In addition, warrants for bypass lanes were developed for rural two-lane highways. A "Design Guide on Left-Turn Accommodations at Unsignalized Intersections" was developed that discusses left-turn lane designs, traffic control treatments, and case study examples.