INNOVATION OF MINOR RURAL ROADS BY AMELIORATION: STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS FOR TRAFFIC PROBLEMS WITH A REGIONAL APPROACH

A solution to traffic problems on minor rural such as rat run traffic, high speeds and mixed mode traffic, requires an area wide approach.These problems should basically be solved by a careful mutual attunement of: (1) the (access or traffic) function of the road within the network; (2) the technical design of the road; and (3) the use of the road traffic (volumes, speeds). Measures are required if discrepancies appear. Generally, an amelioration of the existing network is preferable to new road building. As a consequence, traffic that does not agree with the function of the road should be removed, by so-called structural and incidental measures. In this way, new road building can be reduced to a minimum. This approach produces innovative policies in which maximum attention is paid to the creation, at minimum cost, of an environment that is both pleasant to live in and free from pollution. It also enables recreational use of rural areas. As a consequence, car drivers have to use more major roads instead of minor roads. This contribution is an adaption of the lecture Structural solutions on rural roads, presented at the symposium Lack of traffic safety on rural roads, organised by the Regional Organization for Traffic Safety in the Province of North Brabant, in Vught, on 19 May 1992. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 856918.