Evaluation of Chevron Markings on Freeway-to-Freeway Connector Ramps in Texas

This report presents an evaluation of the use of converging chevron pavement markings in an attempt to reduce speeds on freeway-to-freeway connector ramps. In this project, a converging chevron marking was designed and implemented on a freeway-to-freeway connector ramp in El Paso, Texas. Speed measurements were conducted at the project site in three study periods: before the implementation of chevron markings, early-after the implementation, and late after the implementation of chevron markings. Speed measurements were taken upstream of the curve, at the start of the curve, and in the middle of the curve of the connector ramp. A detailed before-after analysis of the speed data was conducted by vehicle classification, light conditions, and location along the curve. From the analysis results, it was found that chevron markings appeared to reduce speeds where the markings were in place, though the reduction in the average speeds varied based on vehicle class and curve location. Maximum reduction was observed at the upstream location of the curve with about a 4 mile per hour (mph) reduction observed for heavy trucks.