FRELANE: an analysis model for major freeway weaving sections and empirically limited analysis of selected freeway segments: user's guide

Analysis of weaving and non-weaving segments along a freeway is a necessary step in the design and/or reconstruction of highway facilities to evaluate level of service. Using data collected on eight types of isolated segments (straight pipe, on-ramp, off-ramp, on-ramp followed by an off-ramp without an auxiliary lane, consecutive on-ramps, ramp weaves, four types of major weaves, and a ramp weave followed by an off-ramp) analysis models have been constructed for evaluating primarily four-lane freeway sections. The current model limits the data inputs to volumes within the range of observed data which is characterized as empirically limited analysis. Analysis methods include point flow by movement and total point flow. Point flow by movement estimates the flow of each movement and sums them to determine the total volume at a point. Total point flow estimates the volume directly. Both methods are available for ramp weave analysis. The point flow by movement method is the implementation of Caltrans Traffic Bulletin No. 4 Level D. The FREWEV model which has been included in its entirety in FRELANE allows for analysis within both empirically observed ranges and ranges developed through use of simulation. The next stage of this project will extended the volume limits over which analysis can be done through simulation for the other seven types of isolated segments currently in FRELANE.