Date Available

1-19-2017

Year of Publication

2017

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Engineering

Department/School/Program

Civil Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Nikiforos Stamatiadis

Abstract

The efficient and safe movement of traffic at signalized intersections is the primary objective of any signal phasing and timing plan. Accommodation of left turns is more critical due to the higher need for balancing operations and safety. The objective of this study is to develop models to estimate the safety impacts of the use of left-turn phasing schemes. The models are based on data from 200 intersections in urban areas in Kentucky. For each intersection, approaches with a left-turn lane were isolated and considered with their opposing through approach in order to examine the left-turn related crashes. This combination of movements is considered to be one of the most dangerous in terms of intersection safety. Hourly traffic volumes and crash data were used in the modeling approach along with the geometry of the intersection. The models allow for the determination of the most effective type of left-turn signalization based on the specific characteristics of an intersection approach. The accompanying nomographs provide an improvement over the existing methods and warrants and allow for a systematic and quick evaluation of the left-turn phase to be selected. The models utilize the most common variables that are already known during the design phase and can be used to determine whether a permitted or protected-only phase will suit the intersection when considering safety performance.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/ETD.2017.033

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