An Alternative Method for Analyzing Merge/Diverge and Weaving Areas on Freeways with Four or More Directional Lanes

Details

• Creators:
  Barnes, Kirk E.
• Corporate Creators:
  Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Weaving sections
  • Diverging traffic
  • Ramps (Interchanges)
  • Highway capacity
  • Alternatives analysis
  • Weaving traffic
  • Freeways
  • Traffic lanes
  • Merging traffic
  • Weaving Areas
  More +
• Publication/ Report Number:
  FHW A/TX-94/1232-19
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  Texas ; United States
• Edition:
  Interim: September 1992 - August 1993
• Corporate Publisher:
  Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University
• Abstract:
  The current procedures for analyzing freeway weaving sections with four or more directional freeway lanes contain approximations and estimates based on observed freeways with fewer lanes. The use of larger cross-section freeways to cope with congestion reinforce the need for updated ramp merge/diverge and weaving area analysis procedures. This study documents the inappropriate results provided by the 1985 Highway Capacity Manual method of analysis. The new FRESIM microscopic freeway simulation model under development by FHW A provides reasonable estimates of merge/diverge and weaving area operations. This study substantiates the validity of the FRESIM model to predict the general performance of four and five lane freeways in Texas. Finally, recommendations for use of auxiliary lanes in Texas, based on FRESIM simulations, are presented in a tabular "operational matrix."
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  0-1232
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/82163/dot_82163_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.84 MB]
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:bc766da68ac7dfab02625b331615fa8eb59ea115c03f462497aaf81341576b71e59ab6d0f4a651ed468767bf9412abe8495f863bef174f048599197faccdccb0