Developing Comprehensive Roadway Delineation Guidelines
Author(s):
S.T. Chrysler, J.M. Re, K. Knapp, D.S. Funkhouser, B.T. Kuhn
Publication Date:
February 2009
Abstract:
Roadway delineation is an important safety feature of the transportation infrastructure as it provides guidance to drivers unfamiliar with road sections or to drivers using the road in times of reduced visibility or darkness. Past research on delineation has largely studied treatments in isolation. The current project will examine the combined effects of lane striping, pavement marking symbols, raised pavement markers, post mounted delineators, chevrons, advisory speed plaques, and curve warning signs. The project will include consideration of both curve and tangent sections, but will focus on nighttime performance on horizontal curves. A thorough review of the research literature and state-of-the-practice will identify candidate delineation treatments to be tested. This research project will employ three different methods of testing roadway delineation: a test-track portion where various delineation packages will be presented and curve detection and recognition will be tested, a state-wide survey using video from the test track where curve radius and speed estimates will be collected from a variety of drivers, and a full field study in which candidate delineation designs will be deployed on public roads for realworld performance evaluation in terms of lane placement, speed, and driver comfort. The field study will collect free-flow traffic data and also individual driver data using an instrumented vehicle. Driver safety will be the main focus of this research, but the feasibility of implementing the most cost effective solutions will be a central consideration as well. One concern expressed in past studies is that speeds may increase, particularly at night, with improved delineation. The field studies will measure vehicle speed to address this concern.
Report Number:
0-5772-S
Electronic Link(s):
Document/Product
http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/hostedpdfs/txdot/psr/5772.pdf
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