ROAD GEOMETRIC DESIGN MANUAL

(MANUAL A9)

THIRD EDITION

MARCH 2013

Page i

March 2013

Third Edition

Abu Dhabi Department of Transport

Al Bateen Towers

PO Box 20

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Copyright 2013, by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport. All Rights Reserved. This

manual, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of

the publisher.

Page ii

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Department of Transport Technical Committee:

Leader: Nabeel Salman

Members:

Mudar Tayyem

Husam Hammad

Salim Sulaiman

Hesham El Degwy

Hasan Ibrahim

Participating Stakeholders:

Department of Municipal Affairs

Abu Dhabi Police

Urban Planning Council

Abu Dhabi Municipality

Al Ain Municipality

Western Region Municipality

Document Development Consultant:

TrafQuest

PO Box 35701

Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Assisted by:

Roy Jorgensen Associates, Inc.

3735 Buckeystown Pike

PO Box 70

Buckeystown, MD 21717

United States of America

Document Review Consultant:

Aurecon Australia (Pty) Ltd

PO Box 43887

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Page iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Development Team ............................................................................................................. ii

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... iii

List of Figures xvii

List of Tables xxiv

Foreword xxix

1 INTRODUCTION TO ROAD DESIGN ......................................................... 1

1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................ 1

1.3 Application ............................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Content .................................................................................................................... 2

1.5 References .............................................................................................................. 5

2 GENERAL DESIGN CRITERIA & CONTROL ............................................ 6

2.1 Overview .................................................................................................................. 6

2.2 Context sensitive solutions ....................................................................................... 6

2.3 Sustainability ............................................................................................................ 8

2.4 Functional classification ........................................................................................... 9

2.4.1 Relationship to roadway design ........................................................................ 9

2.4.2 Function of roadway system for rural areas .................................................... 10

2.4.3 Function of roadway system for urban areas .................................................. 13

2.4.4 Urban streets .................................................................................................. 15

2.5 Speed .................................................................................................................... 16

2.5.1 Design speed.................................................................................................. 16

2.5.2 Average running speed ................................................................................... 16

2.5.3 Average travel speed ...................................................................................... 17

2.5.4 Space mean speed ......................................................................................... 17

2.5.5 Operating speed ............................................................................................. 17

2.5.6 Posted speed limit .......................................................................................... 17

2.5.7 Truck/car speed relationship ........................................................................... 18

2.6 Design vehicles ...................................................................................................... 18

2.6.1 Vehicle dimensions ......................................................................................... 18

2.6.2 Turning templates ........................................................................................... 19

2.6.3 Acceleration and deceleration rates ................................................................ 20

2.7 Traffic volume and composition .............................................................................. 20

2.7.1 Design year selection ..................................................................................... 24

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2.7.2 Traffic characteristics ...................................................................................... 25

2.7.3 Capacity and operational analyses ................................................................. 27

2.8 Environmental considerations ................................................................................ 30

2.9 Right-of-way considerations ................................................................................... 30

2.10 Access control and access management ............................................................... 31

2.11 Non-road design controls ....................................................................................... 32

2.11.1 Drivers ............................................................................................................ 32

2.11.2 Pedestrians and cyclists ................................................................................. 33

2.12 References ............................................................................................................ 34

3 CROSS SECTION ELEMENTS ................................................................ 35

3.1 Overview ................................................................................................................ 35

3.2 Roadway section .................................................................................................... 35

3.2.1 Carriageway ................................................................................................... 35

3.2.2 Travelled way ................................................................................................. 35

3.2.3 Shoulders ....................................................................................................... 41

3.2.4 Rumble strips .................................................................................................. 43

3.2.5 Auxiliary lanes ................................................................................................ 46

3.2.6 Curbs .............................................................................................................. 47

3.3 Medians ................................................................................................................. 50

3.3.1 Functions ........................................................................................................ 50

3.3.2 Median widths ................................................................................................. 51

3.3.3 Median types .................................................................................................. 53

3.3.4 Median selection ............................................................................................. 56

3.4 Roadside elements ................................................................................................ 57

3.4.1 Verges ............................................................................................................ 57

3.4.2 Side slopes ..................................................................................................... 57

3.4.3 Sidewalks/pathways ....................................................................................... 63

3.4.4 Bicycles .......................................................................................................... 63

3.4.5 Clear zones/clearances .................................................................................. 63

3.5 Traffic barriers ........................................................................................................ 63

3.6 Noise control .......................................................................................................... 65

3.7 Sand control ........................................................................................................... 66

3.7.1 General ........................................................................................................... 66

3.7.2 Sand movement and deposition...................................................................... 66

3.7.3 Location .......................................................................................................... 67

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3.7.4 Design elements ............................................................................................. 68

3.7.5 Dune stabilization ........................................................................................... 69

3.7.6 Dune destruction ............................................................................................ 71

3.8 Right-of-way ........................................................................................................... 72

3.9 Utilities ................................................................................................................... 72

3.9.1 Types ............................................................................................................. 72

3.9.2 Location .......................................................................................................... 73

3.9.3 Design considerations .................................................................................... 74

3.10 Tunnels .................................................................................................................. 74

3.10.1 Types of tunnels ............................................................................................. 75

3.10.2 Tunnel cross sections ..................................................................................... 77

3.11 References ............................................................................................................ 79

4 SIGHT DISTANCE .................................................................................... 80

4.1 Overview ................................................................................................................ 80

4.2 Eye and object heights ........................................................................................... 80

4.3 Stopping sight distance .......................................................................................... 81

4.3.1 Passenger cars (level grade) .......................................................................... 81

4.3.2 Grade-adjusted SSD ....................................................................................... 82

4.3.3 Trucks............................................................................................................. 83

4.3.4 SSD application .............................................................................................. 84

4.4 Decision sight distance .......................................................................................... 85

4.4.1 Theoretical discussion .................................................................................... 85

4.4.2 Applications .................................................................................................... 86

4.5 Passing sight distance ........................................................................................... 87

4.6 Intersection sight distance ...................................................................................... 89

4.6.1 General ........................................................................................................... 89

4.6.2 Eye and object heights ................................................................................... 90

4.6.3 Case A Intersections with no control ............................................................ 90

4.6.4 Case B Intersections with stop control on the minor road ............................. 90

4.6.5 Case C Intersections with yield control on the minor road ............................ 95

4.6.6 Case D Intersections with traffic signal control ............................................. 98

4.6.7 Case EIntersections with all-way stop control .............................................. 99

4.6.8 Case F Left turns from the major road ......................................................... 99

4.6.9 Examples of ISD applications ....................................................................... 102

4.6.10 Effect of skew ............................................................................................... 106

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4.7 References .......................................................................................................... 108

5 HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT .................................................................. 109

5.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 109

5.2 Horizontal curves ................................................................................................. 109

5.2.1 Types of horizontal curves ............................................................................ 109

5.2.2 General theory .............................................................................................. 112

5.2.3 Minimum radii ............................................................................................... 114

5.2.4 Maximum deflection without curve ................................................................ 114

5.2.5 Minimum length of curve ............................................................................... 115

5.3 Superelevation development ................................................................................ 116

5.3.1 Superelevation rates ..................................................................................... 116

5.3.2 Transition lengths ......................................................................................... 117

5.3.3 Application of transition length ...................................................................... 125

5.3.4 Axis of rotation .............................................................................................. 126

5.3.5 Shoulder superelevation ............................................................................... 127

5.3.6 Compound curves ........................................................................................ 129

5.3.7 Reverse curves ............................................................................................. 130

5.3.8 Superelevation development figures ............................................................. 131

5.4 Spiral curves ........................................................................................................ 131

5.4.1 Application .................................................................................................... 141

5.4.2 Length of spiral ............................................................................................. 144

5.4.3 Length of superelevation runoff .................................................................... 145

5.4.4 Limiting superelevation rates ........................................................................ 146

5.4.5 Length of tangent runout ............................................................................... 146

5.5 Horizontal sight distance ...................................................................................... 146

5.5.1 Overview ...................................................................................................... 146

5.5.2 Equations ..................................................................................................... 147

5.5.3 Eye and object heights ................................................................................. 150

5.6 Curve widening .................................................................................................... 150

5.6.1 General theory .............................................................................................. 150

5.6.2 Design values ............................................................................................... 153

5.6.3 Application .................................................................................................... 155

5.7 General controls for horizontal alignment ............................................................. 155

5.8 References .......................................................................................................... 158

6 VERTICAL ALIGNMENT ........................................................................ 159

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6.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 159

6.2 Grades and terrain ............................................................................................... 159

6.2.1 Terrain/topography ....................................................................................... 159

6.2.2 Maximum grades .......................................................................................... 159

6.2.3 Minimum grades ........................................................................................... 159

6.2.4 Trucks........................................................................................................... 160

6.2.5 Critical length of grade .................................................................................. 160

6.3 Truck-climbing lanes ............................................................................................ 166

6.3.1 Location guidelines ....................................................................................... 167

6.3.2 Capacity analysis .......................................................................................... 168

6.3.3 Design guidelines ......................................................................................... 168

6.3.4 Downgrades ................................................................................................. 172

6.4 Vertical curves ..................................................................................................... 172

6.4.1 Crest vertical curves ..................................................................................... 172

6.4.2 Sag vertical curves ....................................................................................... 178

6.4.3 Vertical curve computations .......................................................................... 183

6.5 Minimum vertical clearances ................................................................................ 185

6.6 Alignment and profile relationships....................................................................... 190

6.6.1 General controls for vertical alignment .......................................................... 190

6.6.2 Coordination of horizontal and vertical alignment .......................................... 192

6.6.3 Alignment coordination figures ...................................................................... 193

6.6.4 Profile grade lines ......................................................................................... 202

6.7 Emergency escape ramps ................................................................................... 202

6.7.1 Purpose and need ........................................................................................ 202

6.7.2 Containment facilities .................................................................................... 203

6.7.3 Warrant for investigation ............................................................................... 203

6.7.4 Location and spacing .................................................................................... 204

6.7.5 Design process ............................................................................................. 205

6.7.6 Brake check areas ........................................................................................ 211

6.7.7 Maintenance ................................................................................................. 211

6.8 References .......................................................................................................... 212

7 RURAL AND URBAN FREEWAYS ........................................................ 213

7.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 213

7.2 Freeway systems ................................................................................................. 213

7.2.1 Basic components ........................................................................................ 213

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7.2.2 Freeway spacing .......................................................................................... 214

7.2.3 Network configurations ................................................................................. 214

7.2.4 Linear freeway systems configurations ......................................................... 215

7.3 Freeway types...................................................................................................... 218

7.3.1 Ground-level freeways .................................................................................. 218

7.3.2 Depressed freeways ..................................................................................... 221

7.3.3 Elevated freeways ........................................................................................ 222

7.3.4 Combination-type freeways .......................................................................... 224

7.3.5 Special freeway designs ............................................................................... 227

7.4 General design considerations ............................................................................. 231

7.4.1 Design speed................................................................................................ 231

7.4.2 Design traffic volumes .................................................................................. 231

7.4.3 Capacity analysis .......................................................................................... 232

7.4.4 Travelled way and shoulders ........................................................................ 233

7.4.5 Curbs ............................................................................................................ 234

7.4.6 Superelevation .............................................................................................. 234

7.4.7 Grades.......................................................................................................... 234

7.4.8 Structures ..................................................................................................... 234

7.4.9 Vertical clearance ......................................................................................... 235

7.4.10 Roadside design ........................................................................................... 235

7.4.11 Ramps and terminals .................................................................................... 235

7.4.12 Outer separations and borders ..................................................................... 235

7.4.13 Access control .............................................................................................. 236

7.5 Grade separation design ...................................................................................... 237

7.5.1 Justification ................................................................................................... 237

7.5.2 Design .......................................................................................................... 238

7.6 Rural freeways ..................................................................................................... 243

7.6.1 Alignment and profile .................................................................................... 243

7.6.2 Medians ........................................................................................................ 245

7.6.3 Side slopes ................................................................................................... 246

7.6.4 Service roads ................................................................................................ 247

7.7 Urban freeways .................................................................................................... 247

7.7.1 General design characteristics ...................................................................... 247

7.7.2 Medians ........................................................................................................ 247

7.7.3 Service roads ................................................................................................ 248

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7.7.4 Managed lanes ............................................................................................. 250

7.8 References .......................................................................................................... 253

8 RURAL ROADS ..................................................................................... 254

8.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 254

8.2 Two-lane roads .................................................................................................... 254

8.2.1 General characteristics ................................................................................. 254

8.2.2 General design considerations ..................................................................... 254

8.2.3 Cross section elements ................................................................................ 261

8.2.4 Structures ..................................................................................................... 262

8.2.5 Provision for passing .................................................................................... 262

8.2.6 Ultimate development for a dual carriageway ............................................... 264

8.2.7 Turnouts ....................................................................................................... 265

8.3 Rural multilane roads ........................................................................................... 267

8.3.1 General design considerations ..................................................................... 270

8.3.2 Cross sectional elements .............................................................................. 271

8.3.3 Structures ..................................................................................................... 273

8.3.4 Intersections ................................................................................................. 273

8.3.5 Access management .................................................................................... 274

8.4 Trucks .................................................................................................................. 274

8.5 References .......................................................................................................... 276

9 URBAN STREETS.................................................................................. 277

9.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 277

9.2 General ................................................................................................................ 277

9.2.1 Urban design challenges .............................................................................. 277

9.2.2 Urban street typology .................................................................................... 278

9.2.3 Access management .................................................................................... 279

9.3 General design elements ..................................................................................... 279

9.3.1 Design speed................................................................................................ 279

9.3.2 Capacity analyses ........................................................................................ 279

9.3.3 Sight distance ............................................................................................... 284

9.3.4 Alignment ..................................................................................................... 284

9.3.5 Grades.......................................................................................................... 284

9.3.6 Cross section elements ................................................................................ 285

9.3.7 Traffic control devices ................................................................................... 294

9.3.8 Structures ..................................................................................................... 294

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9.3.9 Intersections ................................................................................................. 294

9.3.10 Drainage ....................................................................................................... 295

9.4 Horizontal alignment ............................................................................................ 295

9.4.1 Superelevation methodology ........................................................................ 295

9.4.2 General superelevation considerations ......................................................... 295

9.4.3 Maximum superelevation rate ....................................................................... 296

9.4.4 Minimum radii ............................................................................................... 296

9.4.5 Maximum deflection without curve ................................................................ 297

9.4.6 Transition lengths ......................................................................................... 297

9.4.7 Axis of rotation .............................................................................................. 298

9.4.8 Typical designs ............................................................................................. 298

9.5 Tables of design criteria ....................................................................................... 298

9.6 References .......................................................................................................... 319

10 INTERSECTIONS ................................................................................... 320

10.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 320

10.2 General design controls ....................................................................................... 320

10.2.1 General design considerations ..................................................................... 320

10.2.2 Intersection components ............................................................................... 321

10.2.3 Intersection capacity ..................................................................................... 324

10.2.4 Intersection types ......................................................................................... 326

10.2.5 Intersection spacing ...................................................................................... 329

10.2.6 Intersection alignment ................................................................................... 332

10.2.7 Profiles ......................................................................................................... 335

10.2.8 Design vehicles ............................................................................................ 336

10.2.9 Pedestrians and cyclists ............................................................................... 337

10.2.10 Signing and pavement markings ............................................................. 337

10.2.11 Drainage ................................................................................................. 338

10.3 Corner radii .......................................................................................................... 338

10.3.1 Design for right-turning vehicles.................................................................... 339

10.3.2 Left-turn control radii ..................................................................................... 351

10.4 Rural turning roadways/urban slip lanes............................................................... 355

10.4.1 Guidelines .................................................................................................... 355

10.4.2 Design .......................................................................................................... 355

10.4.3 Rural turning lane widths .............................................................................. 360

10.4.4 Horizontal alignment ..................................................................................... 362

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10.4.5 Right-angle turns with corner islands ............................................................ 366

10.4.6 Oblique-angle turns with corner islands ........................................................ 366

10.4.7 Deceleration/acceleration lanes .................................................................... 367

10.5 Channelization ..................................................................................................... 368

10.5.1 Guidance ...................................................................................................... 368

10.5.2 Design considerations .................................................................................. 369

10.6 Islands ................................................................................................................. 372

10.6.1 Island types .................................................................................................. 372

10.6.2 Selection of island type ................................................................................. 373

10.6.3 Design of islands .......................................................................................... 374

10.6.4 Refuge islands .............................................................................................. 377

10.6.5 Corner islands .............................................................................................. 378

10.6.6 Island size and designation ........................................................................... 380

10.7 Auxiliary turn lanes ............................................................................................... 381

10.7.1 Warrants ....................................................................................................... 381

10.7.2 Design of turn lanes ...................................................................................... 385

10.7.3 Left-turn lane designs ................................................................................... 389

10.7.4 Right-turn lanes ............................................................................................ 397

10.7.5 Multiple turn lanes ........................................................................................ 399

10.8 Median openings .................................................................................................. 402

10.8.1 Location/spacing ........................................................................................... 402

10.8.2 Design .......................................................................................................... 402

10.8.3 Minimum design for U-turns .......................................................................... 408

10.9 Placement of bus stops near intersections ........................................................... 408

10.10 Frontage roads..................................................................................................... 412

10.11 References .......................................................................................................... 414

11 ROUNDABOUTS .................................................................................... 415

11.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 415

11.2 Characteristics of a roundabout ........................................................................... 415

11.2.1 Design features ............................................................................................ 415

11.2.2 Roundabouts types ....................................................................................... 415

11.3 Categories of roundabouts ................................................................................... 417

11.3.1 Mini-roundabouts .......................................................................................... 420

11.3.2 Single-lane roundabouts ............................................................................... 421

11.3.3 Multilane roundabouts .................................................................................. 422

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11.4 Roundabout Considerations ................................................................................. 422

11.4.1 Planning ....................................................................................................... 422

11.4.2 General roundabout characteristics .............................................................. 422

11.4.3 User considerations ...................................................................................... 425

11.4.4 Policy and legal issues ................................................................................. 425

11.4.5 Access management .................................................................................... 426

11.5 Operational analysis ............................................................................................ 426

11.5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 426

11.5.2 Principles ...................................................................................................... 427

11.5.3 Data collection .............................................................................................. 428

11.5.4 Analysis techniques ...................................................................................... 428

11.5.5 Highway capacity manual method ................................................................ 429

11.6 Safety .................................................................................................................. 431

11.7 Geometric design ................................................................................................. 432

11.7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 432

11.7.2 Principles and objectives .............................................................................. 433

11.7.1 Speed management ..................................................................................... 434

11.7.2 Lane arrangements....................................................................................... 436

11.7.3 Path alignment .............................................................................................. 436

11.7.4 Size, position, and alignment ........................................................................ 437

11.7.5 Single-lane roundabouts ............................................................................... 440

11.7.6 Multilane roundabouts .................................................................................. 443

11.7.7 Mini-roundabouts .......................................................................................... 446

11.7.8 Closely spaced roundabouts ......................................................................... 448

11.8 Other considerations ............................................................................................ 448

11.8.1 Traffic control devices ................................................................................... 448

11.8.2 Landscaping ................................................................................................. 449

11.8.3 Illumination ................................................................................................... 449

11.9 References .......................................................................................................... 451

12 INTERCHANGES ................................................................................... 452

12.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 452

12.2 Warrants .............................................................................................................. 452

12.3 General design considerations ............................................................................. 453

12.3.1 System and service interchanges ................................................................. 453

12.3.2 Interchange spacing ..................................................................................... 457

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12.3.3 Distance between successive freeway/ramp junctions .................................. 457

12.3.4 Basic number of lanes .................................................................................. 457

12.3.5 Lane balance ................................................................................................ 457

12.3.6 Capacity and level of service ........................................................................ 460

12.3.7 Auxiliary lanes .............................................................................................. 461

12.3.8 Freeway lane drops ...................................................................................... 464

12.3.9 Route continuity ............................................................................................ 466

12.3.10 Uniformity ............................................................................................... 466

12.3.11 Left-hand ramps...................................................................................... 466

12.3.12 Signing and marking ............................................................................... 466

12.3.13 Weaving sections .................................................................................... 466

12.3.14 Grading and landscaping ........................................................................ 468

12.3.15 Review for ease of operation .................................................................. 468

12.3.16 Geometric design criteria ........................................................................ 468

12.3.17 Operational/safety considerations ........................................................... 472

12.4 Interchange types and layouts ............................................................................. 474

12.4.1 General ......................................................................................................... 474

12.4.2 Diamond interchange .................................................................................... 474

12.4.3 Modified diamond ......................................................................................... 479

12.4.4 Compressed diamond ................................................................................... 482

12.4.5 Single-point diamond interchange ................................................................. 485

12.4.6 Full cloverleaf ............................................................................................... 488

12.4.7 Partial cloverleafs ......................................................................................... 493

12.4.8 Trumpet interchange ..................................................................................... 502

12.4.9 Direct and semi-direct interchanges .............................................................. 506

12.4.10 Other Interchange types ......................................................................... 510

12.4.11 Selection ................................................................................................. 516

12.5 Ramp design ........................................................................................................ 517

12.5.1 Ramp types .................................................................................................. 517

12.5.2 Collector-distributor roadways ...................................................................... 519

12.5.3 High-speed direct/semi-direct roadways ....................................................... 521

12.5.4 Design speed................................................................................................ 522

12.5.5 Sight distance ............................................................................................... 523

12.5.6 Cross section elements ................................................................................ 523

12.5.7 Two-lane loop ramps .................................................................................... 527

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12.5.8 Horizontal alignment ..................................................................................... 527

12.5.9 Vertical alignment ......................................................................................... 530

12.5.10 Roadside safety ...................................................................................... 531

12.5.11 Ramp capacity ........................................................................................ 531

12.5.12 Ramp Metering ....................................................................................... 531

12.6 Freeway ramp terminals ....................................................................................... 532

12.6.1 Exit ramp terminals ....................................................................................... 532

12.6.2 Entrance ramps ............................................................................................ 538

12.6.3 Capacity analysis .......................................................................................... 543

12.7 Ramp/crossroad intersections .............................................................................. 544

12.7.1 General design criteria .................................................................................. 544

12.7.2 Slip ramp designs ......................................................................................... 545

12.7.3 Crossroad access control ............................................................................. 548

12.8 Ramp/freeway divergence and convergence ....................................................... 549

12.8.1 Divergences ................................................................................................. 549

12.8.2 Convergences .............................................................................................. 550

12.8.3 Manoeuvre areas .......................................................................................... 550

12.9 HOV and public transport ..................................................................................... 552

12.10 Toll road facilities ................................................................................................. 553

12.11 References .......................................................................................................... 554

13 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST FACILITIES ........................................ 555

13.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 555

13.2 Pedestrians .......................................................................................................... 555

13.2.1 Public Realm ................................................................................................ 555

13.2.2 Pedestrian realm zones ................................................................................ 555

13.2.3 Design guidance ........................................................................................... 558

13.3 Cyclists ................................................................................................................ 569

13.3.1 Definitions ..................................................................................................... 569

13.3.2 Bicycle facilities at intersections .................................................................... 570

13.3.3 Cycle parking ................................................................................................ 571

13.3.4 Separate cycle facilities ................................................................................ 571

13.4 References .......................................................................................................... 575

14 RAILWAY CROSSINGS ......................................................................... 576

14.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 576

14.2 Geometric design elements.................................................................................. 576

Page xv

14.2.1 General guidance ......................................................................................... 576

14.2.2 Sight distance ............................................................................................... 576

14.2.3 Horizontal alignment ..................................................................................... 581

14.2.4 Vertical alignment ......................................................................................... 581

14.2.5 Surface design .............................................................................................. 581

14.2.6 Intersections design near railroad crossings ................................................. 582

14.3 Traffic control devices .......................................................................................... 582

14.4 Light rail transit track in mixed traffic .................................................................... 582

14.4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 582

14.4.2 Track position within lanes ............................................................................ 583

14.5 References .......................................................................................................... 585

15 INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS ................................................ 586

15.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 586

15.2 ITS design ............................................................................................................ 586

15.3 Systems engineering............................................................................................ 586

15.4 Vehicle detection stations .................................................................................... 587

15.4.1 General ......................................................................................................... 587

15.4.2 Types of detection ........................................................................................ 587

15.5 Traffic data collection ........................................................................................... 588

15.6 Closed circuit television systems .......................................................................... 588

15.7 Road weather monitoring systems ....................................................................... 589

15.8 Help phone systems ............................................................................................ 590

15.9 Variable message signs ....................................................................................... 590

15.10 Ramp metering systems ...................................................................................... 591

15.11 Weigh-in-motion systems ..................................................................................... 591

15.12 Automatic number plate recognition systems ....................................................... 592

15.13 Tunnel management systems .............................................................................. 592

15.14 References .......................................................................................................... 594

16 ROADSIDE AMENITY ............................................................................ 595

16.1 Overview .............................................................................................................. 595

16.2 Visual amenity and aesthetics .............................................................................. 595

16.2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 595

16.2.2 Importance ................................................................................................... 595

16.2.3 Objectives ..................................................................................................... 596

16.2.4 Aesthetics and visual impact assessment ..................................................... 596

Page xvi

16.2.5 Documenting and reviewing visual impacts .................................................. 598

16.3 Landscaping ........................................................................................................ 600

16.3.1 Landscape design principles ......................................................................... 600

16.3.2 Overview of landscape design process ......................................................... 603

16.3.3 Responsibility for preparation of design ........................................................ 603

16.3.4 Design factors ............................................................................................... 604

16.4 Roadway lighting .................................................................................................. 606

16.4.1 Utility poles ................................................................................................... 606

16.4.2 Facilities ....................................................................................................... 607

16.5 Fencing ................................................................................................................ 607

16.5.1 General ......................................................................................................... 607

16.5.2 Freeways and expressways .......................................................................... 608

16.5.3 Pedestrian fencing ........................................................................................ 609

16.5.4 Protective fencing on roadway overpasses ................................................... 610

16.5.5 Fencing or safety devices on top of retaining walls ....................................... 610

16.6 Rest areas ........................................................................................................... 610

16.6.1 General ......................................................................................................... 610

16.6.2 Location of rest areas ................................................................................... 611

16.6.3 Design of rest areas ...................................................................................... 614

16.7 Oasis ................................................................................................................... 623

16.8 Truck lay-by ......................................................................................................... 624

16.9 Off-street parking ................................................................................................. 625

16.9.1 Park-and-ride lots ......................................................................................... 626

16.9.2 Design elements ........................................................................................... 627

16.10 References .......................................................................................................... 633

16.11 Definitions ............................................................................................................ 634

16.12 Geometric qualifying words .................................................................................. 659

16.13 Acronyms ............................................................................................................. 659

Page xvii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2-1: Relationship of functionally classified systems in serving traffic mobility and land access (1) ................................................................................. 10

Figure 2-2: Basic dimension of tractorsemitrailer vehicle ........................................... 22

Figure 2-3: Basic dimension of tractor semitrailer vehicle/ trailer vehicle (double trailer) ...................................................................................................... 23

Figure 2-4: Turning characteristics of a typical semitrailer design vehicle (1) ............. 24

Figure 3-1: Rural dual carriageway nomenclature .......................................................... 36

Figure 3-2: Urban dual carriageway (freeways) nomenclature ...................................... 37

Figure 3-3: Rural single carriageway nomenclature ....................................................... 38

Figure 3-4: City boulevard nomenclature (4) ................................................................... 39

Figure 3-5: City avenue nomenclature (4) ....................................................................... 40

Figure 3-6: Rumble strip types (18) ................................................................................. 44

Figure 3-7: Shoulder rumble strip locations (19) ............................................................ 45

Figure 3-8: Vertical curb design ....................................................................................... 48

Figure 3-9: Typical curb types (17) .................................................................................. 49

Figure 3-10: Typical median types ................................................................................... 54

Figure 3-11: Typical ditch section .................................................................................... 59

Figure 3-12: Typical cut sections with curbs .................................................................. 60

Figure 3-13: Typical rock cut section .............................................................................. 62

Figure 3-14: Details of concrete median barrier ............................................................. 64

Figure 3-15: Example cast-in-place curb to concrete barrier transition ........................ 65

Figure 3-16: Sand dunes .................................................................................................. 69

Figure 3-17: Stabilizing dunes (23) .................................................................................. 71

Figure 3-18: Abu Dhabi Tunnels ...................................................................................... 75

Figure 3-19: Tunnel cross section ................................................................................... 78

Figure 4-1: Clear sight triangle for viewing traffic approaching from left ..................... 91

Figure 4-2: Clear sight triangle for viewing traffic approaching from right .................. 91

Figure 4-3: Approach sight triangles (yield control) (1) ................................................. 97

Figure 4-4: Intersection sight distance (left turns from the major road) ..................... 100

Figure 4-5: Example 4.6 1 ............................................................................................ 102

Figure 4-6: Example 4.6 2 ............................................................................................ 104

Figure 4-7: Example 4.6 3 ............................................................................................ 105

Figure 4-8: Sight distance at skewed intersections ...................................................... 107

Figure 5-1: Simple curve nomenclature ........................................................................ 111

Figure 5-2: Three-centred compound curve .................................................................. 111

Figure 5-3: Comparison of side-friction factors (2) ...................................................... 113

Figure 5-4: Method of distributing superelevation and side friction (1) ...................... 114

Figure 5-5: Superelevation transition length ................................................................. 121

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Figure 5-6: Shoulder treatment through superelevated curve ..................................... 128

Figure 5-7: Reverse curves to parallel tangents ........................................................... 132

Figure 5-8: Reverse curves (tangents not parallel) ....................................................... 133

Figure 5-9: Superelevation development for reverse curves ....................................... 134

Figure 5-10: Axis of rotation about centreline (single carriageway)............................ 135

Figure 5-11: Axis of rotation about inside edge (single carriageway) ........................ 136

Figure 5-12: Axis of rotation about outside edge (single carriageway) ...................... 137

Figure 5-13: Axis of rotation for dual carriageway (depressed median) ..................... 138

Figure 5-14: Axis of rotation for dual carriageway (raised median) ........................... 139

Figure 5-15: Axis of rotation about centreline (compound curves) ............................. 140

Figure 5-16: Spiral curve nomenclature (3) ................................................................... 142

Figure 5-17: Sight clearance requirements for horizontal curves (L > S) ................... 148

Figure 5-18: Sight clearance requirements for horizontal curves (S > L) ................... 149

Figure 5-19: Sight distance at horizontal curves (SSD)................................................ 151

Figure 5-20: Widening components on open roadway curves (1) ............................... 153

Figure 5-21: Horizontal curve coordination................................................................... 157

Figure 6-1: Critical length of grade (trucks) (1) ............................................................ 161

Figure 6-2: Measurement for length of grade ............................................................... 163

Figure 6-3: Example 6.2-2 .............................................................................................. 164

Figure 6-4: Critical length of grade calculations (Example 6.2-3) ............................... 165

Figure 6-5: Truck climbing lane .................................................................................... 167

Figure 6-6: Truck climbing lane .................................................................................... 169

Figure 6-7: Performance curves for a typical heavy truck (120 kg/kW) (1) ................ 171

Figure 6-8: Symmetrical vertical curve equation ......................................................... 186

Figure 6-9: Unsymmetrical vertical curve equations ................................................... 188

Figure 6-10: Plan and profile sheet ................................................................................ 191

Figure 6-11: Horizontal and vertical alignment coordination ...................................... 195

Figure 6-12: Examples of undesirable and good alignment coordination ................. 196

Figure 6-13: Combined alignment designs to avoid .................................................... 198

Figure 6-14: Superimposition of horizontal and vertical alignments ......................... 200

Figure 6-15: Examples of superimposition of horizontal and vertical alignments .... 201

Figure 6-16: An example of an arrester bed layout (2) ................................................ 209

Figure 7-1: Basic freeway networks (32) ....................................................................... 215

Figure 7-2: Linear freeway system configurations (32) ................................................ 217

Figure 7-3: Typical freeway at ground level (TrafQuest) .............................................. 218

Figure 7-4: Typical ground level freeway (TrafQuest) .................................................. 219

Figure 7-5: Typical cross sections for ground-level freeways (1) ............................... 220

Figure 7-6: Restricted cross sections for ground-level freeways (1) .......................... 220

Figure 7-7: Cross sections for depressed freeways (1)................................................ 222

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Figure 7-8: Typical viaduct cross sections for elevated freeways (1) ......................... 225

Figure 7-9: Typical embankment cross sections for elevated freeways (1) ................ 225

Figure 7-10: Combination freeway in rolling terrain (1) ................................................ 226

Figure 7-11: Profile control combination-type freeway in level terrain (1) ............. 226

Figure 7-12: Combination-type freeways with restricted right-of-way (1) ................... 228

Figure 7-13: Typical cross sections for reverse-flow operation (1) ............................. 228

Figure 7-14: Typical cross sections for dual-divided operation (1) ............................. 229

Figure 7-15: Typical freeway with C-D road (TrafQuest) .............................................. 230

Figure 7-16: Typical cross sections for underpasses (32) ........................................... 239

Figure 7-17: Grade separation determination (1) .......................................................... 242

Figure 7-18: Typical rural medians (1) ........................................................................... 246

Figure 7-19. Bus roadway located between a freeway and a parallel service road (1)251

Figure 7-20: Joint freeway-transit right-of-way (1) ........................................................ 252

Figure 8-1: Typical two-lane road (TrafQuest) .............................................................. 255

Figure 8-2: LOS on base speed-flow curves ................................................................. 260

Figure 8-3: Passing lanes on a two-way, single carriageway ...................................... 264

Figure 8-4: Single carriageway cross section with ultimate development to dual carriageway ........................................................................................... 266

Figure 9-1: Typical city boulevard (with frontage lane) (4) ........................................... 286

Figure 9-2: Typical City Avenue (4) ................................................................................ 287

Figure 9-3: Typical city street (4) ................................................................................... 288

Figure 9-4: Typical city access lane (4) ......................................................................... 288

Figure 9-5: Typical city boulevard (4) ............................................................................ 289

Figure 9-6: Superelevation rates (low-speed urban streets) ........................................ 297

Figure 10-1: Physical and functional intersection area (1) ........................................... 322

Figure 10-2: Typical intersection components ............................................................. 323

Figure 10-3: Three-leg intersection (Google Earth) ...................................................... 327

Figure 10-4: Four-leg intersection ................................................................................. 328

Figure 10-5: Roundabout (Google Earth) ...................................................................... 329

Figure 10-6: Signalised intersection spacing guidelines (48) ...................................... 331

Figure 10-7: Angled intersection (Google Earth) .......................................................... 332

Figure 10-8: Realignment of intersections (1) ............................................................... 334

Figure 10-9: Offset intersection ..................................................................................... 335

Figure 10-10: Intersection gradient check points ......................................................... 336

Figure 10-11: Allowable encroachment on a local road ............................................... 340

Figure 10-12: Allowable turning encroachment onto a multilane route ...................... 341

Figure 10-13: Shoulder/curb radius return transitions ................................................. 343

Figure 10-14: Three-centred compound radii ................................................................ 344

Figure 10-15: Effect of curb radii and shoulders on rural right-turning paths ............ 352

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Figure 10-16: Summary of right-turn design issues ..................................................... 353

Figure 10-17: Left-turn control radii ............................................................................... 354

Figure 10-18: Use of simple and compound curves at free-flow turning roadways ... 356

Figure 10-19: Typical rural turning roadway layout ...................................................... 357

Figure 10-20: Typical urban slip lane layouts (4) .......................................................... 358

Figure 10-21: Superelevation development of rural turning roadway (mainline on tangent or curved to the right) (1) ........................................................ 364

Figure 10-22: Superelevation development of rural turning road (mainline curved to the left) (1) ............................................................................................. 365

Figure 10-23: Examples of a channelized intersections ............................................... 371

Figure 10-24: Channelized island ................................................................................... 372

Figure 10-25: Typical channelizing island design ......................................................... 376

Figure 10-26: Crosswalk through centre island (4)....................................................... 377

Figure 10-27: Details of corner islands .......................................................................... 379

Figure 10-28: Guidelines for right-turn lanes at unsignalised intersections on two-way single carriageway (49) ......................................................................... 383

Figure 10-29: Guidelines for right-turn lanes at unsignalised intersection on dual carriageway (80 km/h or greater) (49) .................................................. 384

Figure 10-30: Typical auxiliary lanes at intersections .................................................. 387

Figure 10-31: Examples of taper designs (1) ................................................................. 388

Figure 10-32: Flush channelized islands at isolated high-speed rural intersection ... 391

Figure 10-33: Raised channelized intersection (parallel left-turn lane) ....................... 392

Figure 10-34: Parallel and tapered offset left-turn lane ................................................ 394

Figure 10-35 Typical design for parallel offset left-turn lanes ..................................... 395

Figure 10-36: Expressway or multilane facility with median width 12 m (tapered offset left-turn lane design) .................................................................. 396

Figure 10-37: Example of parallel offset design for left-turn lanes (Google Earth) .... 397

Figure 10-38: Four-leg intersection providing simultaneous left turns ....................... 398

Figure 10-39: Pedestrian refuge at multiple left-turn lanes (4)..................................... 399

Figure 10-40: Schematic for dual left-turn lanes ........................................................... 401

Figure 10-41: Median opening design ........................................................................... 403

Figure 10-42: Median nose design ................................................................................. 407

Figure 10-43: Curb side bus stops near right-in, right-out junction (69) ..................... 411

Figure 10-44: Curb side bus stops near roundabout (69) ............................................ 411

Figure 10-45: Curb side bus stops at urban signal junction (69) ................................. 412

Figure 10-46: Intersections with frontage roads (1) ...................................................... 413

Figure 11-1: Roundabout characteristics (50) ............................................................... 416

Figure 11-2: Roundabout for freeway ramp and crossroad ......................................... 419

Figure 11-3: Single lane roundabout (Google Earth) .................................................... 419

Figure 11-4: Multilane roundabout ................................................................................. 419

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Figure 11-5: Features of typical mini-roundabout ........................................................ 420

Figure 11-6: Features of typical single-lane roundabout (50) ...................................... 421

Figure 11-7: Features of typical two-lane roundabout (50) .......................................... 423

Figure 11-8: Features of typical three-lane roundabout (50) ........................................ 423

Figure 11-9: Geometric elements of an urban roundabout (50) ................................... 435

Figure 11-10: Single-lane roundabout (Google Earth) .................................................. 440

Figure 11-11: Typical minimum splitter island nose radii and offsets (50) ................. 442

Figure 11-12: Multi-lane roundabout (Google Earth) .................................................... 444

Figure 12-1: System and service types (1) .................................................................... 454

Figure 12-2: Service interchange (Google Earth) ......................................................... 455

Figure 12-3: Service interchange (Google Earth) ......................................................... 455

Figure 12-4: System interchange (Google Earth) ......................................................... 456

Figure 12-5: Ramp terminal spacing and guidelines (1) ............................................... 458

Figure 12-6: Coordination of lane balance and basic number of lanes (1) ................. 459

Figure 12-7: Individual elements of an interchange (13) .............................................. 461

Figure 12-8: Auxiliary lanes within an interchange (1) ................................................. 462

Figure 12-9: Auxiliary lanes between two interchanges............................................... 463

Figure 12-10: Typical freeway lane drop (right side) .................................................... 465

Figure 12-11: Weaving Influence area (13) .................................................................... 467

Figure 12-12: Ramp terminals on curved roads (51) .................................................... 470

Figure 12-13: Diamond interchange .............................................................................. 475

Figure 12-14: Double roundabout diamond (dumbbell) interchange .......................... 478

Figure 12-15: Split diamond interchanges .................................................................... 480

Figure 12-16: Modified diamond interchange ............................................................... 481

Figure 12-17: Compressed diamond interchange ......................................................... 482

Figure 12-18: Compressed diamond with turnaround .................................................. 484

Figure 12-19: Single-point urban diamond interchange ............................................... 485

Figure 12-20: Cloverleaf interchanges........................................................................... 490

Figure 12-21: Cloverleaf interchanges........................................................................... 491

Figure 12-22: Cloverleaf interchange layout ................................................................. 492

Figure 12-23: Partial cloverleaf interchange layout (Google earth) ............................. 494

Figure 12-24: Partial cloverleaf interchange layout (two quadrants Type A) ........... 495

Figure 12-25: Partial cloverleaf interchange layout (two-quadrant Type B) ............. 496

Figure 12-26: Partial cloverleaf interchange layout (two-quadrant Type C) ............. 497

Figure 12-27: Partial cloverleaf interchange layout (four-quadrant Type A) ............ 499

Figure 12-28: Partial cloverleaf interchange layout (four quadrants Type B) .......... 500

Figure 12-29: Trumpet interchange layout .................................................................... 503

Figure 12-30: Trumpet interchange layout (Type A) ..................................................... 504

Figure 12-31: Trumpet interchange layout (Type B) ..................................................... 505

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Figure 12-32: Directional interchanges ......................................................................... 507

Figure 12-33: Directional interchange with semi direct connections .......................... 508

Figure 12-34: Directional interchange (Google Earth) .................................................. 509

Figure 12-35: Directional interchange with semi direct connections (Google Earth). 509

Figure 12-36: Rotary (roundabout) interchange ........................................................... 510

Figure 12-37: Two-level turbine interchange ................................................................. 511

Figure 12-38: Three-level turbine interchange .............................................................. 512

Figure 12-39: Stack interchange .................................................................................... 512

Figure 12-40: Two-level clover stack interchange ........................................................ 513

Figure 12-41: Three-level clover stack interchange ...................................................... 514

Figure 12-42: Y interchange ........................................................................................... 514

Figure 12-43: T-interchange ........................................................................................... 515

Figure 12-44: Three level diamond/volleyball interchange .......................................... 515

Figure 12-45: Basketweave interchange ....................................................................... 516

Figure 12-46: Ramp types (1) ......................................................................................... 518

Figure 12-47: Separation between C-D roadway and mainline .................................... 521

Figure 12-48: Typical ramp cross sections ................................................................... 525

Figure 12-49: Curve types on exit ramps (1) ................................................................. 529

Figure 12-50: Exit ramp terminal (1) .............................................................................. 532

Figure 12-51: Two-lane exit ramp terminal (1) ............................................................... 533

Figure 12-52: Entrance ramp terminal (1) ...................................................................... 538

Figure 12-53: Two-lane entrance ramp terminal (1) ...................................................... 539

Figure 12-54: Merge and diverge influence areas (5) ................................................... 543

Figure 12-55: Crossroad designs to discourage wrong-way entry (two-lane) (1) ....... 546

Figure 12-56: Crossroad designs to discourage wrong-way entry (divided) (1)......... 547

Figure 12-57: Major diverges .......................................................................................... 551

Figure 12-58: Major converges ...................................................................................... 552

Figure 13-1: Pedestrian Realm (4) .................................................................................. 557

Figure 13-2: Mid-block crossing (4) ............................................................................... 560

Figure 13-3: Typical crosswalk elements (4) ................................................................. 563

Figure 13-4: Bus stops at mid-block crossing (1+1 street) (69) ................................... 567

Figure 13-5: Bus stop/lay-by after mid-block crossing (divided street) (69) ............... 567

Figure 13-6: Bus stop/lay-by before mid-block crossing (divided street) (69) ............ 568

Figure 13-7: Bus stop after mid-block crossing (divided street) (69) .......................... 568

Figure 13-8: Cycle Facilities (4) ...................................................................................... 569

Figure 13-9: Shared waiting space for cyclists and pedestrians at intersection (4) .. 570

Figure 13-10: Cross section of two-way shared use path on separated right-of-way (42) ......................................................................................................... 574

Figure 14-1: Moving vehicle to safely cross or stop at railroad crossing (1) .............. 578

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Figure 14-2: Departure of vehicle from stopped position to cross railroad track (1) . 580

Figure 14-3: Railroad-road grade crossings ................................................................. 581

Figure 16-1: The visual environment ............................................................................. 598

Figure 16-2: Roadway decisions with aesthetic implications ...................................... 599

Figure 16-3: Rest area ..................................................................................................... 611

Figure 16-4: Evaluation criteria for site selection, layout, and design of freeway rest areas ...................................................................................................... 613

Figure 16-5: Typical rest area design layout ................................................................. 615

Figure 16-6: Typical rest area design layout ................................................................. 616