Abstract

Traffic behavior studies were conducted at seven lane-drop locations, representing four lane-drop classes. These studies were composed of conflict observations (consisting of both erratic movement and brakelight applications), spot-speed observations, and lane volume counts. Such a study was made before and after each different traffic control device installation in an attempt to determine which device was the most effective in minimizing conflicts at existing lane drops. A study of conflict deviations indicates that no single type of traffic control device studied was significantly effective in reducing erratic movement and brakelight rates at all seven lane-drop locations. Rather, it appears that different traffic control devices are generally most effective at each of the locations. The single-lane exit without taper constituted the lane-drop classification with the lowest conflict rates of the four different lane-drop classifications studied. The lane-termination classification had the next lowest conflict rates. Those lane drops with poorer sight geometries were observed to have higher conflict rates. No definitive relationship between traffic conflict rates and either traffic volumes or accident rates was found for the lane drops studied. Certain data limitations were discovered.

Report Date

8-1972

Report Number

No. 332

Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.13023/KTC.RR.1972.332

Notes

The opinions, findings, and conclusions in this report are not necessarily those of the Department of Highways or the Federal Highway Administration.

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