Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

Two way two lane

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1
The Highway A Class I two-lane highway segment.
The Question What is the two-way segment LOS for the peak hour?
The Facts
√ 1,600 veh/h (two-way volume), √ 50/50 directional split,
√ 14 percent trucks and buses, √ 4 percent RVs,
√ 0.95 PHF, √ 60-mi/h base FFS,
√ Rolling terrain, √ 11-ft lane width,
√ 4-ft shoulder width, √ 6-mi length, and
√ 50 percent no-passing zones, √ 20 access points/mi.
Outline of Solution Two-way average travel speed and percent time-spent-following
will be determined, and from these parameters, the LOS.

Solution

Steps
1. Determine grade adjustment factor for average travel speed
fG = 0.99
2. Compute fHV for average travel speed
fHV = 1_____________
1+ PT (ET − 1) + PR(ER − 1)
fHV = 1_______________
1+ 0.14(1.5 − 1) + 0.04(1.1− 1)
= 0.931
3. Compute vp
vp = V______
PHF * fG * fHV
vp = 1,600_______
(0.95)(0.99)(0.931)

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

= 1,827 pc/h
4. Calculate highest directional flow rate. vp * 0.50 = 1,827 * 0.50 = 914 pc/h
5. Check the highest directional flow rate and two-way flow rate against capacity values of 1,700 pc/h
and 3,200 pc/h, respectively.
914 pc/h < 1,700 pc/h
1,827 pc/h < 3,200 pc/h

6. Compute the FFS

FFS = BFFS – fLS – fA
FFS = 60 – 1.7 – 5.0 = 53.3 mi/h
7. Compute the average travel speed
ATS = FFS – 0.0125vp – fnp
ATS = 53.3 – 0.00776(1827) – 0.8 = 38.3 mi/h
8. Determine grade adjustment factor for percent time-spent-following
fG = 1.00
9. Compute fHV for time-spent-following .
fHV = 1_______________
1+ 0.14(1.0 − 1) + 0.04(1.0 − 1)
= 1.000
10. Compute vp
vp = 1,600_______
(0.95)(1.000)(1.00)
=1,684 pc/h
11. Calculate the highest directional flow rate.
vp * 0.50 = 1,684 * 0.50 = 842 pc/h
12. Check the highest directional flow rate and two-way flow rate against the capacity values of 1,700
pc/h and 3,200 pc/h, respectively.
842 pc/h < 1,700 pc/h
1,684 pc/h < 3,200 pc/h

13. Compute base percent time-spentfollowing

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

BPTSF = 100(1− e−0.000879vp )

BPTSF = 100[1− e−0.000879(1,684) ] = 77.2%
14. Compute percent time-spent-following
PTSF = BPTSF + fd/np
PTSF = 77.2 + 4.8 = 82.0%
15. Determine LOS ATS = 38.3 mi/h and PTSF = 82.0% LOS E

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 2
The Highway A Class I two-lane highway segment.
The Question What is the LOS of the peak direction?
The Facts
√ 1,200 veh/h (analysis direction volume), √ 400 veh/h (opposing direction
√ 14 percent trucks and buses, volume), √ 4 percent RVs,
√ 0.95 PHF,
√ 60-mi/h base FFS, √ Rolling terrain,
√ 11-ft lane width, √ 4-ft shoulder width, and
√ 5-mi roadway length, √ 50 percent no-passing zones.
√ 20 access points/mi,
Outline of Solution Analysis direction average travel speed and percent time-spent following will be
determined, and with these parameters, the LOS.
Solution
Steps
1. Determine the grade adjustment factor, fG, for average travel speed for the analysis direction
fG = 0.99
2. Compute fHV and vd for average travel speed in the analysis direction
fHV = 1_________________
1+ 0.14(1.5 − 1) + 0.04(1.1− 1)
= 0.931
vd = 1,200_______
(0.95)(0.99)(0.931)
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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

= 1,370 pc/h
3. Determine the grade adjustment factor, fG, for average travel speed for the opposing direction
fG = 0.93
4. Compute fHV and vo for average travel speed in the opposing direction

fHV = 1______________
1+ 0.14(1.9 − 1) + 0.04(1.1− 1)
= 0.885
vo = 400_______
(0.95)(0.93)(0.885)
=512 pc/h
5. Check vd and vo with the capacity value of 1,700 pc/h.
1,370 pc/h < 1,700 pc/h
512 pc/h < 1,700 pc/h
6. Compute FFS
FFS = BFFS – fLS – fA
FFS = 60 – 1.7 – 5.0 = 53.3 mi/h
7. Compute average travel speed
ATSd = FFSd – 0.00776(vd + vo) – fnp
ATSd = 53.3 – 0.00776(1,370 + 512) – 1.6 = 37.1 mi/h
8. Determine the grade adjustment factor, fG, for percent time-spent following for the analysis direction
fG = 1.00
9. Compute fHV and vd for percent time spent- following in the analysis direction
fHV = 1______________
1+ 0.14(1.0 − 1) + 0.04(1.0 − 1)
= 1.000

vd = 1,200______
(0.95)(1.00)(1.000)
=1,263 pc/h

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

10. Determine the grade adjustment factor, fG, for percent time-spent following for the opposing direction
fG = 0.94
11. Compute fHV and vo for percent time spent- following in the opposing direction
fHV = 1_________________
1+ 0.14(1.5 − 1) + 0.04(1.0 − 1)
= 0.935
Vo= 400______
(0.95)(0.94)(0.935)
= 479 pc/h
12. Check vd and vo against the capacity value of 1,700 pc/h.
1,263 pc/h < 1,700 pc/h
479 pc/h < 1,700 pc/h
13. Compute base percent time-spent following the analysis direction

14. Compute percent time-spent-following for the analysis direction

PTSFd = BPTSFd + fnp
PTSFd = 84.7 + 11.8 = 96.5%
15. Determine LOS ATSd = 37.1 mi/h and PTSFd = 96.5% LOS E

Multilane highway
EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1
The Highway A 3.25-mi undivided four-lane highway on level terrain. A 3,200-ft segment with 2.5
percent grade is included in the study.
The Question What are the peak-hour LOS, speed, and density for the level terrain portion of the
highway?

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

The Facts
√ Level terrain,
√ 46.0-mi/h field-measured FFS,
√ 11-ft lane width,
√ 1,900-veh/h peak-hour volume,
√ 13 percent trucks and buses,
√ 2 percent RVs, and
√ 0.90 PHF.
Outline of Solution All input parameters are known. Demand will be computed in terms of pc/h/ln, and
the LOS determined from the speed-flow diagram. An estimate of passenger-car speed is determined from
the graph, and a value of density is calculated using speed and flow rate.
Solution
Steps
1. Find fHV
fHV = 1______________
1 + PT(ET – 1) + PR(ER – 1)
fHV = 1_________________
1 + 0.13(1.5 – 1) + 0.02(1.2 – 1)
fHV = 0.935
2. Find vp
vp = V_______
PHF * N * fHV * fp
vp = 1,900_______
0.90 * 2 * 0.935 *1.00
vp = 1,129 pc/h/ln
3. Determine LOS using the chart LOS C
The Results
• LOS C,
• Speed = 46.0 mi/h, and
• Density = 24.5 pc/mi/ln.

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 2
The Highway A 3.25-mi undivided four-lane highway on level terrain. A 3,200-ft segment with 2.5
percent grade is included in the study.
The Question What are peak-hour LOS, speed, and density of traffic on the 2.5 percent grade? Does this
operation still meet the minimum required LOS D?
The Facts
√ 2.5 percent grade (upgrade and downgrade),
√ 46.0-mi/h field-measured FFS,
√ 11-ft lane width,
√ 1,900-veh/h peak-hour volume,
√ 13 percent trucks and buses,
√ 2 percent RVs, and √ 0.90 PHF.
Comments
√ For the 2.5 percent downgrade, trucks, buses, and RVs all operate as though on level terrain. Therefore,
results obtained in Example 1 are applicable for downgrade results of the 2.5 percent grade segment.
√ Assume FFS of 46.0 mi/h applies to both upgrade and downgrade segments.
Outline of Solution All input parameters are known. Demand will be computed in terms of pc/h/ln, and
the LOS determined from the speed-flow diagram. An estimate of passenger-car speed is determined from
the graph, and a value of density is calculated using speed and flow rate.
Steps
1. Find fHV
fHV = 1_________________
1 + PT(ET – 1) + PR(ER – 1)
fHV = 1_______________
1 + 0.13(1.5 – 1) + 0.02(3.0 – 1)
fHV = 0.905
2. Find vp.
vp = V________
PHF * N * fHV * fp
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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

vp = 1,900_______
0.90 * 2 * 0.905 *1.00
vp = 1,166 pc/h/ln
3. Determine LOS using the chart. LOS C (upgrade) LOS C (downgrade)
The Results
Downgrade: Upgrade:
• LOS C, • LOS C,
• Speed = 46.0 mi/h, and • Speed = 46.0 mi/h, and
• Density = 24.5 pc/mi/ln. • Density = 25.3 pc/mi/ln.

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 3
The Highway A new 2-mi segment of multilane highway with right-of-way width of 90 ft.
The Question What is the cross section required to meet the design criterion of LOS D? What is the
expected travel speed for passenger cars?
The Facts
√ 60,000 annual average daily traffic, √ Rolling terrain,
√ 50-mi/h speed limit, √ 5 percent trucks,
√ Peak-hour volume is 10 percent of daily traffic, √ 10 access points/mi, and
√ Peak-hour traffic has 55/45 directional split, √ 0.90 peak-hour factor.
Comments
√ This solution assumes that the given AADT is for the design year and that the other factors, although
current, are accepted as representative of expected design year conditions.
√ Assume base FFS to be 5.0 mi/h greater than the posted speed.
BFFS = 50.0 + 5.0 = 55.0 mi/h

Solution
Steps
1. Convert AADT to design-hour volume. DDHV = AADT * K * D
DDHV = 60,000 * 0.10 * 0.55 = 3,300 veh/h
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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

2. Find fHV
fHV = 1________________
1 + PT(ET – 1) + PR (ER – 1)
fHV = 1________________
1 + 0.05(2.5 – 1) + 0
= 0.930
3. Compute free-flow speed
FFS = BFFS – fLW – fLC – fA – fM
FFS = 55.0 – 0.0 – 0.0 – 2.5 – 0.0 = 52.5 mi/h
4. Determine maximum vp .
vp = 1,780 pc/h/ln
5. Determine minimum N required.
N= V___________
PHF * vp * fHV * fp
N= 3,300___________
0.90 *1,780 * 0.930 *1.00
= 2.2 (use 3)
6. Compute vp using minimum N required.
vp = 3,300__________
0.90 * 3 * 0.930 *1.00
= 1,314 pc/h/ln
7. Determine if base conditions will fit within available right-of-way with a 12- ft median to accommodate
left-turn bays in the future.
Median width = 12 ft
Lane width = 12 ft
Lateral clearance (shoulder) = 6 ft
Total required width = 12 + 6 * 12 + 2 * 6 = 96 ft (greater than available width)
8. Assume different design to fit available right-of-way. Use 6-ft median and do not use shoulder at
median.
Median width = 6 ft (raised)

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

Lane width = 12 ft
Lateral clearance (shoulder) = 6 ft
Total required width = 6 + 72 + 2 * 6 = 90 ft (fits within available 90 ft)
9. Compute FFS
FFS = 55.0 – 0.0 – 0.0 – 2.5 – 0.0 = 52.5 mi/h
10. Determine LOS
LOS C

Freeway segments
EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1
The Freeway Existing four-lane freeway, rural area, very restricted geometry, rolling terrain, 70 mi/h
speed limit.
The Question What is the LOS during the peak hour?
The Facts
√ Two lanes in each direction, √ 5 percent trucks,
√ 11-ft lane width, √ 0.92 PHF,
√ 2-ft lateral clearance, √ 1 interchange per
√ Commuter traffic, mile, and
√ 2,000-veh/h peak-hour volume √ Rolling terrain.
(one direction),
Comments
√ Assume 0 percent buses and RVs since none are indicated.
√ Assume BFFS of 75 mi/h for rural areas.
√ Assume that the number of lanes does not affect free-flow speed, since the freeway is in a rural area.
√ Assume fp = 1.00 for commuter traffic.
Outline of Solution All input parameters are known. Demand is computed in terms of passenger cars per
hour per lane, an FFS is estimated, and the LOS is determined from the speed-flow graph. An estimate of
passenger-car speed is determined from the graph, and a value of density is calculated using speed and
flow rate. .
Steps

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

1. Convert volume (veh/h) to flow rate (pc/h/ln)

vp = V________________
(PHF)(N)(fHV)(fp)
vp = 2,000______________
(0.92)(2)(fHV )(1.00)
2. Find fHV
fHV = 1____________
1 + PT(ET – 1) + PR(ER – 1)
fHV = 1_________
1 + 0.05(2.5 – 1) + 0
fHV = 0.930
3. Find vp
vp = 2,000____________
(0.92)(2)(0.930)(1.00)
= 1,169 pc/h/ln
4. Compute free-flow speed
FFS = BFFS – fLW – fLC – fN – fID
FFS = 75 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 0.0 – 2.5
FFS = 68.2 mi/h
5. Determine level of service using the chart.
LOS B

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 2
The Freeway New suburban freeway is being designed.
The Question How many lanes are needed to provide LOS D during the peak hour?
The Facts
√ 4,000 veh/h (one direction), √ 0.85 PHF,
√ Level terrain, √ 1.50 interchanges per mile,
√ 15 percent trucks, √ 3 percent RVs, and

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

√ 12-ft lane width, √ 6-ft lateral clearance.

Comments
√ Assume commuter traffic. Thus, fp = 1.00.
√ Assume BFFS of 70 mi/h.
√ Assume that the number of lanes affects free-flow speed, since the freeway is being designed in a
suburban area.
Outline of Solution All input parameters are known. Flow rate, speed, density, and LOS are calculated
starting with a four-lane freeway and then increasing the number of lanes to six, eight, and so forth until
LOS D is achieved.
Steps
1. Convert volume (veh/h) to flow rate (pc/h/ln)
vp = V____________
(PHF)(N)(fHV)(fp)
2. Find fHV .
fHV = 1_______________
1 + PT(ET – 1) + PR(ER – 1)
fHV = 1_____________________
1 + (0.15)(1.5 – 1) + 0.03(1.2 – 1)
fHV = 0.925
3. For four-lane option .
vp = 4,000_______
(0.85)(2)(0.925)(1.00)
= 2,544 pc/h/ln
4. The four-lane option is not acceptable since 2544 pc/h/ln exceeds capacity of 2400 pc/h/ln.
5. For six-lane option .
vp = 4,000_______
(0.85)(3)(0.925)(1.00)
= 1,696 pc/h/ln
6. Compute free-flow speed for a six-lane freeway.
FFS = BFFS – fLW – fLC – fN – fID

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

FFS = 70 – 0.0 – 0.0 – 3.0 – 5.0

FFS = 62.0 mi/h
7. Determine level of service. LOS D

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 3
The Freeway Existing six-lane freeway in a growing urban area.
The Question What is the current LOS during the peak hour? What LOS will occur in 3 years? When
should a fourth lane be added in each direction to avoid an excess of demand over capacity?
The Facts
√ 5,000 veh/h (one direction, existing); √ 6 lanes;
√ Level terrain; √ 10 percent trucks;
√ 5,600 veh/h (one direction, in 3 years); √ 0.95 PHF; and
√ Beyond 3 years, traffic grows at 4 percent √ FFS = 70 mi/h
per year; (measured in field).
Comments
√ Since no information is given on possible changes over time, assume that 10 percent trucks, PHF, and
FFS remain constant.
√ This problem deals with a variety of demand levels and can most easily be solved by computing the
maximum volume that can be accommodated for each level of service.
√ Assume 0 percent buses and RVs.
√ Assume commuter traffic.
Outline of Solution The maximum volume (veh/h) for each LOS is computed, the demand volumes are
compared, and a level of service is estimated.
Steps
1. Convert the maximum service flow rate (pc/h/ln) for each LOS to veh/h
vp = V_________
(PHF)(N)(fHV)(fp)
V = vp(PHF)(N)(fHV)(fp)
2. Find fHV
fHV = 1________________
1 + PT(ET – 1) + PR(ER – 1)
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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

fHV = 1__________
1 + 0.10(1.5 – 1) + 0
fHV = 0.952
3. Find maximum vp for each LOS .
LOS A, vp = 770 pc/h/ln
LOS B, vp = 1,260
LOS C, vp = 1,770
LOS D, vp = 2,150
LOS E, vp = 2,400
4. Compute V (veh/h) (use equation from Step 1 with fp = 1.00).
LOS A, V = 2,089 veh/h
LOS B, V = 3,419
LOS C, V = 4,802
LOS D, V = 5,833
LOS E, V = 6,512
5. Compare 5,000 veh/h and 5,600 veh/h with above, determine LOS.
6. When traffic exceeds 6,512 veh/h, a fourth lane in each direction will be needed. A compounding
equation is used.
5,600(1.04n) = 6,512
n = 3.8 years

EXAMPLE PROBLEM 4
The Freeway Existing four-lane freeway in a rural area.
The Question What is the LOS for both the upgrade and the downgrade directions during the peak hour?
The Facts
√ 2 lanes in each direction, √ 2,300 veh/h peak-hour volume (one
√ 15 percent trucks, direction),
√ 0.90 PHF, √ Segment 1, 3,000 ft at 3 percent
√ Segment 2, 2,600 ft at 5 percent grade, grade, and
√ FFS = 70 mi/h (measured in field, √ FFS = 75 mi/h (measured
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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

upgrade direction), in field, downgrade direction).

Comments
√ Assume 0 percent buses and RVs since none are indicated.
√ The precise procedure for composite grades is used because there is a segment steeper than 4 percent
and the total length is greater than 4,000 ft.
√ Assume fp = 0.95 because drivers are generally unfamiliar with the area.
Outline of Solution The truck performance curves in Appendix A are used to develop an equivalent grade
(i.e., a constant grade that has the same effect on heavy vehicles as does the composite grade). Demand is
computed in terms of passenger cars per hour per lane, and LOS is determined from the speed-flow graph.
Steps
1. Determine equivalent constant grade
Using Appendix A, enter 3,000 ft. Speed at top of 3 percent grade is 42 mi/h. Intersection of horizontal at
42 mi/h and 5 percent curve implies trucks have been on 5 percent for 1,300 ft. A vertical is drawn at
3,900 ft to the 5 percent deceleration curve, and a horizontal shows a final truck speed of 27 mi/h. A
horizontal line at a speed of 27 mi/h and a vertical line at 5,600 ft intersect at a composite grade of 5
percent. Similarly, the composite grade for the downgrade is computed as –1 percent.
2. Convert volume (veh/h) to flow rate (pc/h/ln)

vp = V_____________
(PHF)(N)(fHV)(fp)
3. Find fHV (upgrade) .
fHV = 1_________________
1 + PT(ET – 1) + PR(ER – 1)
fHV = 1___________________
1 + 0.15(3.0 – 1) + 0
= 0.769
4. Find fHV (downgrade)
fHV = 1____________
1 + 0.15(1.5 – 1) + 0
= 0.930

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Examples Compiled by:- Yonas Minalu

5. Find vp (upgrade).
vp = 2,300________
(0.90)(2)(0.769)(0.95)
= 1,749 pc/h/ln
6. Find vp (downgrade)
vp = 2,300________
(0.90)(2)(0.930)(0.95)
= 1,446 pc/h/ln
7. Determine LOS

LOS C (upgrade and downgrade)

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