Condition Diagram

Condition Diagram
Objectives:
The objective of this study is to develop condition diagram for 4 intersections.
Introduction/Background:
A site survey should be conducted to record relevant geometric and traffic control data.
These data include: number of lanes, lane widths, lane configurations, presence of turn bays,
length of turn bays, length of pedestrian crosswalks, and intersection widths for all approach
legs. An effective method for recording this information is with a condition diagram. A condition
diagram shows existing intersection layout including such features as roadway geometry,
channelization, grades, number and width of travel lanes, lane use, speed limit, parking
restrictions, driveways, bus stops and distance restrictions (1). The location of any land uses
including schools, parks, playground and other significant pedestrian generating facilities should
be indicated on the diagram. Other information that can have an impact on signal operations
include: approach grades, presence of on-street parking, presence of loading zones, presence of
transit stops, dips in approach profile near the intersection, and intersection skew angle (2).
Many of these factors may have an impact on the capacity of one or more movements at
the intersection; they may also influence intersection safety (2). The condition diagram should
provide engineers with details of field conditions and help study the need for changes to existing
traffic control devices and to do so a field evaluation should be conducted (2).
Scope:
There was a study of various intersections, accurate measurements, and detailed locations
of traffic control systems to create the condition diagram. Four intersection were chosen for the
site survey in Washington D.C.; 10 street NW & U Street NW (Figures 1 and 2), Sherman Ave
NW & Barry Pl NW (Figures 3 and 4), Sherman Ave NW & Girard Street NW (Figures 5 and
6), and Georgia Ave NW & Gresham Pl NW (Figures 7 and 8).

Figure 1: Aerial view of 10th street at U street NW

Figure 3: Aerial view of Sherman Ave NW at Barry Pl NW

Figure 5: Aerial View of Sherman Ave NW at Girard Street NW

Figure 2: Street view of 10th street at U street NW

Figure 4: Street view Aerial view of Sherman Ave NW at Barry Pl NW

Figure 6: Street view of Sherman Ave NW at Girard Street NW

s
Figure 7: Aerial View of Georgia Ave NW at Gresham Pl NW

Figure 8: Street view Aerial View of Georgia Ave NW at Gresham Pl NW

Methodology and Data Collection:

The measurements at all 4 intersections were taken by a measuring wheel in feet. The
measurements included widths of travel lanes, bus stop lanes, driveways, on-street parking space,
and sidewalks. To collect the measurements, a sketch of the top view for each intersection was
drawn before going to each site on September 21, 2014. Since a drawing was available for all
sites, it was simple to write all the measurements from the top view for each intersection. After
gathering all the measurements and features for each intersection, AutoCAD was used to
illustrate the intersections with the measurements and features. AutoCAD is a 2-D and 3-D
computer-aided drafting software application used in architecture, construction and
manufacturing to assist in the preparation of blueprints and other engineering plans. All
intersection drawings with a legend are attached with the report.
Analysis of Result:
See attachment.
Conclusion/ Recommendations:
A condition diagram provides importation information when remodeling and improving
intersections. A recommendation would be to make sure all intersections for each state are up to
date and are available for engineers to look up on the web.

References

1. DeBenedictis, John. "Traffic Signal Operation Design Guidelines." Cityofboston. Boston

Department of Transportation, 4 Sept. 2004. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
<https://www.cityofboston.gov/transportation/pdfs/traf_signal_oper_design_guide.pdf>.
2. "Traffic Signal Timing Manual." Office of Operation. U.S. Department of Transportation,
1 Jan. 2004. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
<http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop08024/chapter7.htm>.
3. Condition Diagrams Information, Dr. Stephen Arhin;
https://blackboard.howard.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?
course_id=_1037101_1&content_id=_1530770_1&mode=reset Accessed Sept.

28, 2014.