An Evaluation of Dallas Area HOV Lanes, Year 2001
Author(s):
D.A. Skowronek, S.E. Ranft, A.S. Cothron
Publication Date:
November 2002
Abstract:
Limited capital investment for major transportation improvements and growth in metropolitan areas require the most efficient use of the existing transportation system . Provisions of the Clean Air Act Amendments and TEA21 further intensify these concerns . One means to improve nobility is high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes . Although HOV lanes have been shown to be very successful in Texas, they have been met with skepticism in several areas across the country .
Public criticism of HOV lanes in two corridors in New Jersey (IH-287 and IH-80) led to their closure . In the wake of the actions of New Jersey, legislation has been introduced in California to limit the implementation of new HOV lanes and to potentially remove existing IIOV lanes . Inappropriate data, such as vehicle volumes, are used as a basis for removing the facilities . The states of Colorado, Virginia, and Georgia have also proposed legislation to either eliminate HOV lanes or convert them to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes . While some of the claims against HOV lanes may be justified, a need exists to evaluate new HOV lanes implemented in the Dallas area as well as to continue an evaluation of existing HOV lanes .
While developers plan an extensive system of permanent NOV lanes for the Dallas-Fort Worth urbanized area, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) have pursued and continue to pursue short-term or interim HOV lane projects that would enhance public transportation and overall mobility . There are
currently 35.4 miles of interim HOV lanes operational in the Dallas area, including a barrier-separated contraflow lane on East R.L. Thornton Freeway (IH-30) and buffer-separated concurrent flow HOV lanes on Stem mons Freeway (IH-35E North) and Lyndon B . Johnson Freeway (IH-635). The objective of this research is to investigate the operationa l
effectiveness of the Dallas area HOV lanes . Issues such as person movement, carpool formation, travel time savings, violation rates, safety, and project cost effectiveness are addressed . By understanding the operational performance and issues of both concurrent flow (buffer-separated) HOV lanes and contraflow (barrier-separated) HOV lanes, recommendations can be made on suggested HOV lane policies, including the type of permanent HOV lanes to be implemented in the Dallas area .
Report Number:
7-4961-4
Electronic Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/4961-4.pdf
Publication/Product Request
TTI reports and products are available for download at no charge. If an electronic version is not available and no instructions on how to obtain it are given, contact the TTI Library.