Weaving analysis for curved freeway segments

A study is reported that attempted to locate and to analyze weaving segvments on a major freeway in the City of Charlotte, North Carolina, using the procedures provided in the 1985 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). The sites selected were valid segments as defined by the HCM, and had the distinguishing feature that they exhibited horizontal curvature. The details of the methodology and the data analysis are described. The weaving segments analyzed in this study had a level of service (LOS) that was near or at capacity. This is reflected in the operating speeds and in unstable operations. The conclusions drawn from the study are reported. Measures needed to improve the traffic flow and the safety of the merge areas are suggested. It was found that the HCM methodology appeared to be appropriate for weaving analyses of curved highway sections.