Brigid OBrien

May, 2017
Math 2
Traffic Project

Broad question to answer through a mathematical model:

What is the reason behind the design of the US 160 Westbound left turn lane (crossover
displaced left-turn)? What are the pros and cons?

Sets of focused questions that can be specifically answered:

1. What alternatives exist?
2. What are the different impacts of the left turn lane from different traffic flows? (Three
way intersection)

Possible alternatives:
Change the crossover left turn to a normal left turning intersection with a left turn lane
Overpass

Different impacts as seen on dot graphs:

Key:
bracketed lines - stop lights
arrows - which direction the lane is going in
each dot is a lane
lines from one dot to another - the traffic flow
Research:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/09055/
This left turn is called a crossover displaced left turn
Pros: reduces the number of traffic signal phases and conflict points, so vehicles do not
stop multiple times in the intersection area
Used to remove left-turn movements from the main intersection to an upstream
signalized location

Tools I will need:

Dot graph for traffic flow
Research for alternatives
A google map picture of the intersection
Final question:
Which of the overpass, regular left turn, and crossover left turn are the most efficient and/or safe
design?

Answer to final question:

The answer to this question is somewhat opinionated with many factors and therefore difficult to
answer with complete certainty. However, from analyzing and making the dot graphs for each
left turn possibility, it seems like the overpass would be the most efficient since there is only one
light that cars would have to wait at.
You would also have to incorporate the geography and how well it would fit into the
intersection, along with other logistical things such as whether or not Durango would actually
want an overpass, which I did not take into account.