CRITICAL LANE ANALYSIS FOR INTERSECTION DESIGN

This paper presents a new critical lane analysis as a guide for designing signalized intersections to serve rush-hour traffic demands. Physical design and signalization alternatives are identified, and methods for evaluation are provided. The procedures used to convert traffic volume data for the design year into equivalent turning movement volumes are described, and all volumes are then converted into equivalent through-automobile volumes. The critical lane analysis technique is applied to the proposed design and signalization plan. The resulting sum of critical lane volumes is then checked against established maximum values for each level of service (A, B, C, D, E) to determine the acceptability of the design. We provide quidelines, a sample problem, and operation performance characteristics to assist the engineer in determining satisfactory design alternatives for an intersection. /Author/