GARDEN STATE PARKWAY HOV LANE (ABRIDGMENT)

Operation of a lane reserved for high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) in each direction along 12 miles of the Garden State Parkway was studied. The HOV lane was established in November 1980 by addition of a lane in each direction to the existing six-lane divided and controlled-access roadway. Peak-period traffic flows before the addition of the HOV lane were characterized by levels of service D, E, and F along 5 or more miles of the road section that was widened. Information on numerous weekday peak-period traffic characteristics collected during the first year of HOV lane operation is reported. The definition of a carpool changed from three or more to two or more occupants in June 1981. A number of comparisons are presented for the two 6-month periods as well as for data collected before the HOV lane operation. Traffic before and after addition of the HOV lane was monitored for impacts of the HOV lane on HOV use, HOV and non-HOV travel time, automobile occupancy, person throughput, accident experience, HOV lane violations, and vehicle speeds. Results in terms of travel time, persons using HOVs, and accident data are reported.