Evaluation and Modification of Sight Distance Criteria Used by TxDOT

Evaluation and Modification of Sight Distance Criteria Used by TxDOT
Author: Mark Douglas Wooldridge
Publisher:
Total Pages: 76
Release: 1998
Genre: Roads
ISBN:

Sight distance is an important consideration in roadway design, affecting many aspects of highway safety and operations. Ramp, interchange, and intersection designs are typically completed in tightly constrained spaces with many structural, earthwork, and roadway features present that may obstruct sight distance. These features are not easily moved; if consideration of sight distance constraints is not given early in the design process, designs may be compromised and a reduced level of safety may be encountered by the public on the completed roadway. After conducting a literature review of design criteria, three case studies of interchange ramps, and a thorough review of the TxDOT Design Division Operations and Procedures Manual, recommended revisions were prepared for the manual. These revisions include material intended to clarify and extend the consideration of sight distance in roadway design.

Positive Guidance in Traffic Control

Positive Guidance in Traffic Control
Author: Gerson J. Alexander
Publisher:
Total Pages: 68
Release: 1975
Genre: Traffic engineering
ISBN:

The progress that has been made in developing the positive guidance concept is documented, and the meaning of positive guidance, the philosophy of driver performance upon which it is based the nature of the driving task at those locations where positive guidance is applicable, and a procedure for its application are discussed. This report describes what must be done to improve the information system at hazardous locations. Positive guidance which is an information system matched to the facility characteristics and driver attributes, is based on the premise that a driver can be given sufficient information where he needs it and in the form that he can best use to avoid hazards.

Evaluation of Zero-length Vertical Curves

Evaluation of Zero-length Vertical Curves
Author: Mark Douglas Wooldridge
Publisher:
Total Pages: 88
Release: 1997
Genre: Curves in engineering
ISBN:

The objectives of the research were to evaluate the use of zero-length vertical curves with respect to TxDOT design practice, construction results, vehicle dynamics, and accident history, and to compare zero-length vertical curves to minimum design vertical curves (as specified by TxDOT). Researchers determined use of zero-length vertical curves using a questionnaire distributed to TxDOT personnel in all 25 districts. Seventy-one percent of the respondents had used zero-length vertical curves. In this study, 20 zero-length vertical curves and 15 minimum-length vertical curves were evaluated. Constraints limited grade change for the vertical curves to a maximum of two percent. Evaluation included surveying the roadway profile, measuring vertical acceleration, and investigating accident information. The results showed that: sight distance is not applicable to sag curves with grade changes below two percent and is applicable to crest curves with grade changes above 0.5 percent and design speeds over 100 km/h; below 0.5 percent grade change, comfort criteria for zero-length and minimum design vertical curves did not exhibit any practical difference; between 1.0 and 0.5 percent grade change, comfort criteria showed unacceptable performance for high speed tests; zero-length vertical curves were more likely to meet drainage grade requirements than were minimum design vertical curves; and accident studies did not reveal any apparent relationship to the type of vertical curve.

Guide for the Design of High Occupancy Vehicle Facilities

Guide for the Design of High Occupancy Vehicle Facilities
Author: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
Publisher: American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials
Total Pages: 108
Release: 1992
Genre: Architecture
ISBN:

This design guide has been developed for the purpose of helping to achieve the following transportation systems management (TSM) goals: To maximize the person-moving capacity of roadway facilities by providing improved operating level of service for high occupancy vehicles (HOVs), both public and private; To conserve fuel and to minimize consumption of other resources needed for transportation; To improve air quality; and To increase overall accessibility while reducing vehicular congestion. Part I deals with HOV options in terms of planning and operations; Part II deals with design criteria for HOV options on freeways; and Part III deals with design criteria for HOV options on surface arterial streets.

Roadside Design Guide

Roadside Design Guide
Author: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Task Force for Roadside Safety
Publisher:
Total Pages: 560
Release: 1989
Genre: Roads
ISBN:

Investigation for Traffic Monitoring Equipment Evaluation Facility

Investigation for Traffic Monitoring Equipment Evaluation Facility
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 142
Release: 2007
Genre: Traffic flow
ISBN:

This project investigated funding sources, design options, and viable locations for a traffic monitoring equipment evaluation facility. The project provided research and development to design a generic facility to evaluate traffic data collection equipment and sensors and perform traffic data collection research. This report covers the entirety of this 2-year project, identifying potential funding sources and candidate sites for further consideration, developing site design aspects for the two most promising sites, and evaluating Kistler Lineas Quartz weigh-in-motion sensors.