Professional Documents
Culture Documents
and safety with the help of the state-of-the-art- the most important should be constructed first
technology. with the available fund and within the plan
Transportation engineering is a very diverse and period.
Planning is also helpful to work out financing
multidisciplinary field. This profession carries a distinct
system of roads.
societal responsibility. Transportation planners and
1.5.3 Road Planning Surveys
engineers recognize the fact that transportation systems
constitute a potent force in shaping the course of
regional development. Planning and development of
transportation facilities generally raises living standards
and enhances the aggregate of community values.
N.B: This includes railway engineering, port and harbor
engineering, and airport engineering.
1.4 Transportation System: A transportation system is
an infrastructure that serves to move people and goods
efficiently. The transportation system consists of fixed
facilities, flow entities and a control component
1.5.4 Urban Transportation Planning (UTP)
2.5 m 2.5 m
driver‟s eye height is 1.2m and the height of the Stopping Sight Distance (SSD):
obstruction is at least 0.15m above the road surface. Concept-
Objective: To provide sufficient length of road to driver SSD = lag distance + Braking distance
to observe the object and stop the vehicle before Lag distance = distance travelled by vehicle during
colliding with object. reaction time.
LD = Reaction time ×Velocity of vehicle
Braking distance = Distance travelled by vehicle during
braking operation
In braking operation, it is assumed that whole kinetic
energy dissipated by application of break therefore,
Work done by vehicle = Kinetic energy of vehicle
When slope is zero
𝑓
Figure 2.17: Stopping Sight Distance 𝑔
Factors affecting SSD:
Efficiency of brakes 𝑔𝑓
Frictional resistance between the road and tyres 𝑎𝑔 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑑 = 𝑡
Slope of the road surface
Total reaction time of the driver 𝑆𝑆𝐷= +𝑑 𝑡
Perception 𝑆𝑆𝐷 𝑡
Brake 𝑔 𝑓 𝑛
reaction time time If V is taken kmph and g is 9.8 m/sec2, then
𝑆𝑆𝐷 𝑡
The time taken by The time taken by 𝑓 𝑛
the driver of vehicle the driver of vehicle Where,
for the application of to realize that brake W = total weight of vehicle
brake reaction time is to be applied f= coefficient of friction
L= braking distance in m
V = speed kmph and v in m/sec
2.4.2 Overtaking Sight Distance (OSD):
PIEV theory
This is the visibility distance necessary for a driver to be
able to see whether the road ahead is sufficiently clear to
The perception is the time required for the
sensations received by the eyes or ears. In enable him to overtake a vehicle in front-even if an
other words, it indicates the time required oncoming appears after he has started the overtaking
to perceive an object or situation maneuver. It is a very long distance, especially at the
higher speeds, and it can be difficult to achieve.
The intellection time is the time required The minimum distance open to the vision of the driver of
PIEV for understanding the problem or situation. a vehicle intending to overtake slow vehicle ahead with
theory safety against traffic of opposite direction is known as
The emotion time is the time which is minimum overtaking sight distance or safe passing sight
passed during emotional sensations and distance available.
disturbances such as fear, anger etc. Intermediate Sight Distance (ISD): This is the
visibility distance necessary for a driver to be able to see
The volition time is the time taken for final whether the road ahead is sufficiently clear to enable him
action. to overtake, assuming that he will abort the maneuver if
an oncoming vehicle appears before he has got level
with the slower vehicle. ISD is much less than OSD yet
it permits reasonably safer overtaking. ISD is about The distance covered by the slow vehicle B travelling at
twice SSD. It is assumed that the observer and a speed of „vb‟ (m/s) in time „T‟ (sec) is,
obstruction are at eye height 1.2m. b = vb × T
The overtaking time „T‟ (sec) is calculated as;
d2 = s + b + s = 2s + b b = vbT
or, vbT + 0.5aT2 = 2s + b
or, vbT + 0.5aT2 = 2s + vbT
or, 0.5aT2 = 2s
or, T=√
so, d2 = √
Figure 2.18: Overtaking Sight Distance From C1 to C2, distance travelled by vehicle C moving at
Objective: –To provide the sufficient distance to the design speed „v‟(m/s) during time „T‟(sec) is given by,
driver to overtake the slow moving vehicle ahead safely d3=v × T
against the traffic in opposite direction. Thus overtaking sight distance (OSD) is,
= d1 + d2 + d3
Factors on which overtaking sight distance depends: OSD = (vb×t) + ( ) + (v × T)
Minimum OSD required for the safe overtaking depends
on: If speed is in kmph,
a) Speed of overtaking, overtaken vehicle and OSD = (0.278Vb×t) + ( ) + (0.278V × T)
vehicle coming from opposite direction if any.
b) Skill and reaction time of the driver. Where,
c) Distance between overtaking and overtaken s = spacing of vehicles
vehicles. t = reaction time of driver =2sec
d) Rate of acceleration of overtaking vehicle v = design speed in m/sec
e) Gradient of the road if any. V= design speed in kmph
Analysis of OSD on a two lane road with two way vb = initial speed of overtaking vehicle in m/sec
traffic: Vb = initial speed of overtaking vehicle in Kmph
T=√ √
A=average acceleration in kmph/sec
a=average acceleration in m/sec2
Example 1: Calculate the safe stopping sight distance
for design speed of 60 kmph for
i) Two way traffic on two way road
ii) Two way traffic on a single lane road
Figure 2.19: Analysis of Overtaking Sight Distance Assume f= 0.38 and t= 2.5 sec
From A1 to A2, the distance „d1‟ (m) travelled by Solution: i) Stopping sight distance when there are two
overtaking vehicle A at reduced speed „vb‟ (m/s) during ways traffic on two way road: Here,
reaction time „t‟(sec), Velocity of Vehicle,
We know that,
d1 = vb×t v = 60 kmh
Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) = 16.67 m/sec
IRC suggest reaction time t of driver as 2 sec,
d1 = 2vb = Lag Distance + Braking Distance Reaction time, t = 2.5 sec
From A2 to A3, vehicle A starts accelerating, shift to Also get, Coefficient of friction= 0.38
adjoining lane, overtakes vehicle B, and shift back to its Lag Distance (LD) = Reaction time × Velocity of
original lane during overtaking time „T‟ (sec) and travel vehicle
distance „d2‟(m). 𝑑 𝑡
FromA2 to A5, the distance „d2‟ (m) is further split into And Braking Distance,
three parts viz;
d2 = (s+b+s) = (b+2s)
The minimum spacing „s‟ (m) between vehicles depends
on their speed and is given by empirical formula,
Now Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) = d + l
s = (0.7vb+6)
= 150m (Ans)
ii) When grade is 3% ascending
Now we get,
Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) = 𝑡
= 134m (Ans)
iii) When grade is zero.
Now we get,
Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) = 𝑡
= 141m (Ans)
Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), Gazipur
Terrain Classification Cross Slope Of Country in The equilibrium condition for overturning will
% occur when Ph = Wb/2, or when P/W =b/2h.
Plain 0-10 This means that there is danger of overturning
Rolling 11-25 when the centrifugal ratio P/W or v²/g R attains
Hilly >25 a value of b/2h.
Friction between the wheel and the pavement ii. Transverse skidding effect:
surface: The equilibrium condition for the transverse skid
It is a crucial factor in the design of horizontal resistance developed is given by
curves. P = FA+ FB= f(RA+RB) =fW
Since P = f W, the centrifugal ratio P/W is equal
It affects the acceleration and deceleration
to „f „.
ability of vehicles.
In other words when the centrifugal ratio attains
Lack of adequate friction can cause skidding or
a value equal to the coefficient of lateral friction
slipping of vehicles
there is a danger of lateral skidding.
- Skidding happens when the path travelled
along the road surface is more than the „f‟ is less than „b/2h‟,the vehicle would skid and
circumferential movement of the wheels due not overturn.
to friction. „b/2h‟ is lower than „f‟, the vehicle would
- Slip occurs when the revolves more than the overturn on the outer side before skidding.
corresponding longitudinal movement along Thus the relative danger of lateral skidding and
the road. overturning depends on whether f is lower or
2.5.2 Horizontal curve: A horizontal highway curve is a higher than
curve in plan to provide change in direction to the 2.5.3 Super elevation (e):
central line of a road. In order slope throughout the Dhaka
lengthUniversity
of the of Engineering &
When a vehicle traverses a horizontal curve, the horizontal curve.
centrifugal force acts horizontally outwards This transverse inclination to the pavement
through the centre of gravity of the vehicle surface is known as Super elevation or cant or
The centrifugal force is given by the equation: banking.
P = Wv²∕gR
Check the coefficient of friction developed for the Analysis of extra widening on horizontal curves:
maximum value of e =0.07 at the full value of design The extra widening of pavement on horizontal curves is
speed. divided into two parts:
f = V²∕ 127R - 0.07 (0.067) a. Mechanical widening/Off tracking
f = 0.059 Less than 0.07 or 0.067 (O. k) b. Psychological widening
a. Mechanical widening/Off tracking (Wm):
Example 2: A two lane road with design speed of 90
kmph has horizontal curve of radius 500 m. If the
pavement is rotated about the centre line and width
of pavement at curve is 7.5 m, Design the following
elements.
i)Rate of super elevation
ii)The rise of outer edge from centre of the
pavement
Solution:
For mixed traffic , e =( 0.75 × V)²∕ 127R
=0.0717
Figure 2.29: Off-tracking and mechanical widening on horizontal
Rise of outer edge = B×e/2= 7.5×1/(2 × 15) curves
= 0.25 m Consider
OA=R1=radius of the path traversed by the
2.5.4 Widening of pavement on horizontal curves: outer rear wheel,m
On horizontal curves, especially when they are OB=R2=radius of the path traversed by the outer
less than 300m radii, it is common to widen the front wheel,m
pavement slightly more than the normal width. Wm=mechanical widening due to off-tracking,
m l=length of wheel base,m
Widening is needed for the following reasons: R=mean radius of the horizontal curve, m
a. An automobile has a rigid wheel base and only the
front wheels can be turned, when this vehicle takes a OB-OA= R2 - R1 =Wm
From Δ OAB, OA2=OB2-BA2
turn to negotiate a horizontal curve, the rear wheel do R12 = R22 - l2
not follow the same path as that of the front wheels. This But , R1 = R2-Wm
phenomenon is called off tracking. (R2-Wm)2 = R22-l2
R22-2R2Wm+ Wm2 = R22-l2
l2 =Wm (2R2-Wm)
Wm = l2/ (2R2-Wm)
Wm = l2/ 2R
If road having „n‟ traffic lanes and „n‟ vehicles can travel
simultaneously, mechanical widening reqd. is given by,
Wm = nl2/ 2R
The extra width recommended by the Indian Road Objects of providing transition curve: A transition
Congress for single and two lane pavements are given in curve which is introduced between straight and a circular
below: curve will help in:
a. Gradually introducing centrifugal force.
b. Gradually introducing designed superelevation.
c. Gradually introducing extra widening.
d. To enable the driver turn steering gradually for
his own comfort and safety.
Length of transition curve:
The length of transition curve is designed to
fulfill three conditions:
Figure 2.30: Extra widening of pavement on horizontal curves
a. Rate of change of centrifugal acceleration to be
Types of Horizontal Curves: developed gradually
1) Circular Curve b. Rate of introduction of designed superelevation
2) Transition Curve c. Minimum length by IRC empirical formula
Rate of Change of centrifugal acceleration:
The length of transition curve is calculated as:
𝑠 ………..if „v‟ is in m/sec
𝑠 ………..if „V‟ is in kmph
Where,
Where, Ls=length of transition curve, m
C=allowable rate of change of centrifugal
acceleration
V = design speed in kmph
v = design speed in m/sec
R = radius of the circular curve, m
Rate of introduction of superelevation:
Figure 2.31: Types of Horizontal Curves If the pavement is rotated about the center line:
2.5.5 Horizontal Transition Curve: Ls=EN/2=e N/2(W + We)
A transition curve has a radius which decreases from If the pavement is rotated about the inner edge:
infinity at the tangent point to a designed radius of the Ls= EN= e N(W + We)
circular curve. The rate of change of radius of the where,
transition curve will depend on the shape of the curve W = width of pavement
adopted and the equation of the curve. We = extra widening
E=total raised pavement= e. B
B=total width of pavement=(W + We)
Rate of change of superelevation of 1 in N
N=150,100,60
Minimum Length by IRC empirical formula:
According to IRC standards:
a. For plane and rolling terrain:
Figure 2.32: Transition curve in horizontal alignment 𝑠
b. For mountainous and steep terrain:
𝑠
Shift of transition curve: If the length of transition
curve is „Ls‟ and the radius of the circular curve is „R‟,
the shift „S‟ of transition curve is given by;
𝑠
𝑆
These equations are often used to check the design speed of an K values can also be used when S > L because
existing vertical curve. K values are preferred to be used when there is no significant error between S>L and
design a new vertical curve because it provides a better safety S<L.
distance.
Page 272 AASHTO‟s A Policy on Geometric Design of
Design controls:
Highways and Streets 2004
Design base on stopping sight distance
General equation:
When, S > L
When, S < L
𝐴𝑆 𝑆 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽
𝐿 𝐿 𝑆
𝑆 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛽 𝐴
Concept-
Sight distance, S = S1 + S2
We know,
𝑆 Here,
S = S1 + L/2 + S2 [S = SSD]
𝑆 √ --------- (1)
Similarly,
𝑔 𝑔
𝑆 𝑑𝑆
𝑑𝑔 𝑔 𝑔
𝑆 √
𝑔 𝑔
𝑆 𝑆 𝑆 √ √
𝑔 𝑔
√ √ √ √
𝑔 𝑔
√ √
√ √ 𝑔 𝑔
√
Again,
𝑆 √ √
G=𝑔 𝑔
𝑆
√
√ √ 𝑔 𝑔
√
Here,
√
A or G or N = Algebraic sum of grades 𝑔
h1 = Height of driver‟s eyes above road surface √
= 1.20m or 1.07m (3.5ft or 3.7ft) √
h2 = Height of obstruction above road surface 𝑔
√ √
= 0.15m Putting g1, g2 values in equation (1)
L = Length of curve
If consider,
√ √ √ √
𝑆
√ √
√ √ √ √ √ √
𝑆
√ √
𝑆 √ √
√ √
𝑆
Here,
A or G or N = Algebraic sum of grades
h1 = Height of driver‟s eyes above road surface
= 1.20m or 1.07m (3.5ft or 3.7ft) Length of valley curve:
h2 = Height of obstruction above road surface a) When Length of curve > Sight Distance (L>S)
= 0.15m y = ax2
L = Length of curve
If consider,
h1 = 1.20m and h2 =0.15m
Then equation for L reduce to
𝑆
ii) For Safe Overtaking Sight Distance (OSD) or
Intermediate Sight Distance (ISD)
𝑆
Valley Curve:
Objective: To join 2 different grades of roads with
smooth vertical curve. Four different conditions for
formation summit curve which are shown below: Where,
𝑎
h1 + S tanα = aS2
h1 + S tanα =
𝑆 𝑆
𝑆 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑆
OR,
𝐷 𝐷
𝑆
𝑆
𝐷 𝐷
Figure 2.41: Valley Curve 𝑆
Concept: In day time, no problem of any sight distance
but in night time head light sight distance should be 𝑆
𝐷
sufficient for vehicle to stop before colliding with object.
In valley curves, the centrifugal force will be acting But, 𝐷 𝑆 𝑡𝑎𝑛
downwards along with the weight of the vehicle. This = 2.5ʹ + 0.0175S
will result in jerking of the vehicle and cause discomfort So, 2.5ʹ + 0.0175S
to the passengers.
Equation of valley curve: The valley curve is made L=
fully transitional by providing two similar transition Where,
curves of equal length. Equation of transition curve: L = Total length of Valley curve
Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), Gazipur
Solution: ( )
(I) SSD = 200m
Assume L>SSD
Other Design considerations for Vertical Curve Table: Road Network Classification with Definition
Designs: Sl. Type Definition Ownership
and
Paying more attention to the drainage design when value No
Responsibility
of K >167 1. RHD
The length of vertical curve can be computed by using National Highways connecting National
Highway capital with Divisional HQs or
K values in both crest and sag vertical curves.
sea ports or land ports or Asian
Minimum length of a crest vertical curve is equal 3 Highway
time the design speed (only for English Unit).
2. Regional Highways connecting District RHD
The “roller-coaster” or the “hidden up” type of profile
Highway HQs or main river or land ports or
should be avoided. with each other not connected by
Two vertical curves in the same direction separated by national Highways.
a short section of tangent grade should be avoided. 3. Zila Roads connecting District HQ/s RHD
On long grades, the steepest grades should be placed Road with Upazila HQ/s or connecting
at the bottom of the curve and flatten the grades near the one Upazila HQ to another
top of ascent. Upazila HQ by a single main
It is desirable to reduce the grade through the connection with National/
intersection where at-grade intersections occur on Regional Highway, through
roadway sections with moderate to steep grades. shortest distance/ route.
Sag vertical curves should be avoided in cuts unless 4. Upazila Roads connecting Upazila HQ/s LGED/
Road with Growth Center/s or one LGI**
adequate drainage can be provided.
(UZR) Growth Center with another
The stopping sight distance for trucks is not necessary Growth Center by a single main
to be considered in designing vertical because the truck connection or connecting Growth
driver able to see farther than passenger car. For that Center to Higher Road System,*
reason, the stopping sight distance for trucks and through shortest distance/route.
passenger cars is balance. (Former Feeder Road Type-B)
Most of cases the stopping sight distance will be used 5. Union Roads connecting union HQ/s LGED/ LGI
for vertical design length, but engineering judgments Road with Upazila HQs, Growth
also get involve in decision making. (UNR) Centers or local markets or with
each other. (Former Rural Road
Class-1 (R1)
6. Village Roads connecting Villages with LGED/ LGI
Road Union HQs, local markets, farms
Chapter -03 (VR) and ghats or with each other.
Roadway Types (Former Rural Road Class-2 (R2)
A. Geographical area or location wise b) Roads within a Village.
(Former Rural Road Class-3 (R3)
•Rural Road •Urban Road
Highways: They represent the superior type of roads in
the country. Highways are of two types – rural highways
and urban highways. Rural highways are those passing
through rural areas (villages) and Urban highways are
those passing through large cities and towns, i.e. urban
areas.
B. Function wise
•Rural Road
i) National Highway ii) Regional Highway
iii) Feeder Road A iv)Feeder Road B
•Urban Road
i) Primary/Main/Arterial Road
ii) Secondary Road ii)Local Road
C. Standard wise
•Full access control, Expressway/Motorway with grade
separated junctions.
•Partial/No access control with at-grade intersection
Freeways: Freeways are access-controlled divided
highways. Most freeways are four lanes, two lanes each
direction, but many freeways widen to incorporate more
lanes as they enter urban areas. Access is controlled
through the use of interchanges, and the type of
interchange depends upon the kind of intersecting road
way (rural roads, another freeway etc.)
Expressways: They are superior type of highways and
are designed for high speeds ( 120 km/hr is common),
high traffic volume and safety. They are generally
provided with grade separations at intersections.
Parking, loading and unloading of goods and pedestrian
traffic is not allowed on expressways.
Arterials: It is a general term denoting a street primarily
meant for through traffic usually on a continuous route.
They are generally divided highways with fully or
partially controlled access. Parking, loading and
unloading activities are usually restricted and regulated.
Pedestrians are allowed to cross only at
intersections/designated pedestrian crossings.
Collector streets: These are streets intended for
collecting and distributing traffic to and from local
streets and also for providing access to arterial streets.
Normally full access is provided on these streets. There
are few parking restrictions except during peak hours.
Local streets: A local street is the one which is
primarily intended for access to residence, business or
abutting property. It does not normally carry large
volume of traffic and also it allows unrestricted parking
and pedestrian movements.
D. Usage wise
i) Commuter road ii) All-purpose road
iii) By-pass iv) Distributor/Ring road
Chapter – 04
Road Intersection
4.1 Definition of Road Intersection:
When two or more roads intersect each other, it
is called Intersections or Road Junction. Figure 4.1 : At grade separation
Road intersections should be designed to
provide safety to road users and free flow of 4.1.1 (i) Un- Channelized At Grade Intersections:
traffic. These are At-grade intersections without islands
This area is designated for the vehicles to turn to for directing traffic into definite paths.
different directions to reach their desired These are simple in design and dangerous in traffic
destinations. operations.
This is because vehicles moving in different These are classified into:-
direction want to occupy same space at the same a. Square junction
time. b. Skew junction or acute junction
4.2 The factors to be considered while making c. T- junction d. Y- junction
selection for a particular type of road junction are as e. Multiple junctions
follows:
Availability of means of traffic control
a. Square junction
Degree of traffic congestion
Funds available
Number of intersecting streets or roads
Volume and nature of traffic
4.3 Following are the general principles to be
observed in the design of road junctions to minimize
the risks of accidents:
i) Angle of crossing ii) Camber
iii) Channelizing iv) Entry speeds
v) Gradient vi) Importance of roads
vii) Kerbs viii) Pedestrian traffic
Figure 4.2: Square junction
ix) Simplicity x) Visibility
4.4 Classification of Road Intersection: b. Skew junction or acute junction
e. Multiple junctions
4. Diamond Interchange:
It is the simplest form of grade separated
intersection between two roadways.
The conflicts between through and crossing
Figure 4.10: Underpass
traffic are eliminated by a bridge structure.
2. Overpass: The left turn crossing movement conflicts are
It is also known as a flyover, is a bridge, road, considerably reduced by eliminating the conflict
railway or similar structure that crosses over with the traffic in opposite direction.
another road or railway. It is suitable for locations where the volume of
left turn traffic is relatively low.
It requires a minimum amount of land and is
economical to construct.
The single point of exit from the major roadway
eases the problem of signing.
Limitations
5. Cloverleaf Interchange: o high cost of construction
A cloverleaf interchange is a two-level o It requires large amount of land
interchange in which left turns are handled by compared to the others.
ramp roads.
To go left vehicles first continue as one road
passes over or under the other, then exit right
onto a one-way three-fourths loop ramp (270°)
and merge onto the intersecting road.
The objective of a cloverleaf is to allow two
highways to cross without the need for any
traffic to be stopped by red lights, even for left
and right turns.
The limiting factor in the capacity of a
cloverleaf interchange is traffic weaving.
Figure 4.16: Directional Interchange
Merging
(a) (b)
(c)
Figure 5.3: (a) 60° Angle parking (b) 45° Angle parking (c) 30°
Angle parking
Design Parking Vehicle:
It is determined based on the dimension of 85th
percentile of cars being used in the study area. For bay
design there is a needed to add allowances for door
openings and for isle design space required for parking
and unparking maneuvers is to be considered. Suggested
bay sizes for curbside parking (AUSTRALIA):
Figure 5.4: Different Types of Parking Arrangements
Table 5.1: Angle of Parking Bay by Degree, Width (m)
and Length (m)
Degree Width (m) Length (m)
0° (Parallel) 2.3 6.7
30° 2.6 4.7
45° 2.6 5.3
60° 2.6 5.5
90° (Perpendicular) 2.6 5.9
One Way Traffic One Way Street Route For Route For Cycle Crossroads Major Road Ahead Side Road Right
(Rickshaws) Only Only (Crossroads) (Left in symbol reserved)
Staggered Junction T Junction Y Junction Uneven Road Slippery Road
(Symbol may be reserved)
Traffic Merges From Merge With Traffic Roundabout Road Hump Low Flying Aircraft Falling Rocks
Left From Right (symbol may be reversed)
Sharp Bend To The Right Hairpin Bend To Right Double Bend First Left Dangerous Dip Narrow Bridge Other Danger
(Left if symbol reversed) (Left if symbol reversed) (Right if symbol reversed)
Sharp Change Of Road Narrows On Both Road Narrows On The Checkpoint Road Works Loose Chippings
Direction To The Left Sides Right
(Right if chevrons reversed) (Left if symbol reversed)
Sleep Hill Upwards Two Way Traffic Blind Persons Railway Level Crossing Railway Level Crossing
Straight Ahead Without Gate Or Barrier With Gate Or Barrier
Children Cattle Wild Animals Dangerous Obstruction Dangerous Obstruction Temporary Diversion
(Single sided) (Double sided) Ahead
Layout Of Temporary Direction Of Lane Closed To Traffic
Traffic Diversion Temporary Diversion Ahead (Temporary) Overnight First-Aid Post Hospital
Ahead Accommodation
New Trend
increasing use of icons, logos and symbols instead of
using letters and words
increasing use of Variable Message Signs (VMS)
VMS: Conventional signs are very rigid in the sense
that they carry fixed and limited information for all
road-traffic environments. Whereas, VMS display-
panels are used to display real time traffic
information. Capable of displaying graphics and/or
alphanumeric messages. They are more responsive
to the field conditions. Need electricity and data
communication facilities.
Display Types LCD, bulb/lamp matrix, LED
pixels, flip
Latest VMS wireless, with solar panels and
radio control.
Bangladesh
absence of complete "Highway Manual"
faulty designs (inconsistent size, color, wording,
incorrect height, placement etc.)
absence of required signs at potentially hazardous Traffic Signals
locations Introduction
misuse of signs, These are provided at road intersections.
obstructed signs These are control devices which could alternatively
direct the traffic to stop proceed at intersections
poor maintenance
using red and green light signals automatically.
existence of misguiding signs The main requirement of traffic signals is to draw
lack of supplementary markings attention.
presence of a large number of illiterate road users
eventually all these above factors contributed to lost it is a physical device which is used to control traffic
the respect & effectiveness of traffic signs as movement at the junction
controlling device and in consequence, with time a it replaces the priority regulation of junction
tendency has developed among the road users to operation
ignore the signs it assigns the right-of-way by splitting green time to
as power failure is very common, use of retro- the various traffic movements
reflective signs/markings would be most appropriate Warrants
even within the city areas when traffic flow at uncontrolled/priority-controlled
junction become high and thereby increases:
traffic conflicts and overall delay;
accidents probability;
when manual operation of junction with the help of
traffic police become very difficult and expansive.
Advantages
Maintain orderly flow of traffic.
Reduce certain types of accidents especially right
angle and pedestrian.
Improves safety and efficiency of movement of
vehicles.
Pedestrians can cross the roads safety.
More economical than manual control.
Increase in speed along the major road traffic.
increase traffic handling capacity of the intersection
provide for nearly continuous movement of traffic
at desired speed along a given route by co-
ordination
Disadvantages
The rear and end collisions at dilemma zones may
increase.
Improper design and location of signals may lead to
violations the control systems.
Failure of the signal due to electrical power failure
or any other defects may cause confusion to the
road users.
at off-peak periods signal controllers with fixed
time & plan cause unnecessary delay and increase
drivers irritation - in consequence promote
disrespect of the signal indication
Types of traffic Signals
i) Fixed time signals
ii) Manually operated signals
relation to each other according to the
distance between intersections and the
desired road speed. This system is
suitable for streets where distances
between intersections are almost equal.
Signals-Standard Green Signal In The All Signals In The Vehicle-actuated Demand Responsive Controllers
Form Of An Arrow Form Of Arrows
Arrangement (Online/ real time system)
With this the green times are related to the
traffic demands and provision is there to omit a
particular phase if there is no traffic.
Need to install detectors on all approaches
Delay is minimized globally
Used as isolated and as well as coordinated
system
` Supplementary Rail Crossing Pedestrian
Green Arrow Signals Signals
Modem Computer based area coordinated
controllers
Signal Installation Considerations
Area Traffic Control (ATC) System - With this
Signal should only be used where they are
system green time calculation is made instantly
warranted and where they will be respected - traffic
based on prefixed delay minimizing algorithm
signal that cannot be enforced and is routinely
Adaptive/Self Optimizing Traffic Control System
disobeyed will weaken the overall level of respect
- With this system green time calculation is
for traffic signals
made beforehand using smart prediction model.
Traffic signals should be kept functioning with
It uses artificial intelligence (Al) to acquire
quick repair times so that drivers continue to rely
knowledge and to refine existing prediction
on traffic signals.
model.
Type of Signal Controller
Isolated Traffic Signal Design
Fixed-time Controllers (off-line system)
Terminology
With fixed-time signals the green periods, and
Signal sequence - Green -> Amber -> Red ->
hence the cycle times, are predetermined and of
Red/Amber
fixed duration.
Phase - That part of a cycle allocated to a stream or
The controllers are simple and relatively cheaper
combination of two or more streams having the right
but they are necessarily inflexible and require
of way simultaneously.
careful setting.
Filter signals - it is mounted alongside the main
The controllers can accommodate more than one
signals to permit movement of vehicles in the
signal plan to make it more demand responsive.
direction shown by the green arrow even though the
Can be used as:
main signal is showing red.
Isolated control system - for a single
Amber period/Clearance time (a) - to allow vehicles
intersection
to clear the junction. Usually 3 secs; u high speeds
Linked/coordinated control system - for
junction 3-6 secs.
closely spaced junctions in a corridor
Inter-green period (I) - the time from the end of the
Simultaneous - All the signals along the
green period to the phase losing right-of-way to the
controlled section display the same
beginning of the green period of the phase gaining
aspect of signal to the same traffic steam
right-of-way.
at the same time. This type of system
Optimum cycle length (Co) - the cycle time which
encourages speeding as some drivers try
gives the least average delay to all vehicles using the
to pass as many intersections as possible
intersection
before the signals change.
Lost time (I) - the time which is effectively lost to
Progressive - The cycle time for each
traffic movement in a phase because of starting
intersection in the system is common
but the green periods are staggered in
delays and the falling-off discharge rate during the Signal light size (lens dia.) and lumination is
amber period. inadequate.
Effective green time (g) - the time during the cycle Cycle times and phasing are judgment based; amber
when traffic flows freely discharge through the clearance phases are short and inadequate for safe
green aspect at the maximum rate; it is the sum of rickshaw clearance and above all a single timing
the green period and the amber period less the lost plan is maintained throughout the day.
time for the particular phase Traditionally, drivers watch the policeman rather
All-red period - a red period between the amber and than the signals.
red/amber shown to all approaches in order to allow Un-enforced signals discourages drivers compliance
vehicles to clear the junction safely before starting of in general and thereby weakening the overall level of
the next phase: it is usually needed: respect for traffic signals.
when junction is large
when there are slow moving vehicles in the
traffic stream
when there are right turning vehicles left over
at the end of the phase
when pedestrian movements are high in all
directions and demand "pedestrian only"
phase
Saturation flow (S) - the maximum rate of
discharge for a particular approach
Important Relationships
Cycle time, ∫( )
∑
∑ ∑( ) ∑( )
Maximum/dominant ratio of flow (q) to saturation
flow (s) for a given phase of critical lane, y = q/s
( )
( )
Local Problems
No. standard for signal setting & design;
Set at far away from the intersections and encourage
drivers to stop beyond the signal mast.
Signals are installed even where they are not
warranted.
Modem Trend
For greater brightness use of LED/Fiber optic cluster
instead of single incandescent based lighting system
Display of digital clock signal along with signal
(Count Down)
Increasing use of adaptive/ self-optimizing signal
controller
Solution:
North South East West
0.22 0.25 0.30 0.26
0.25 0.30
0.56
∑ ∑
∑( ) ∑( ) Saturation Flow 2200 2300 2800 3000
(PCU/hr)
( ) ( ) Solution:
( ) North South East West
( ) 0.25 0.28 0.32 0.27
0.28 0.32
0.60
∑ ∑
∑( ) ∑( )
( ) ( )
( )
( )
= 19 sec
Inter-green, NS = 6 sec
= 22 sec
Inter-green, EW = 7 sec
Cycle time, 54 sec
= 24 sec
Inter-green, NS = 9 sec
= 27 sec
Inter-green, EW = 6 sec
Cycle time, 66 sec
Markings Materials
Paint - thermoplastic cement paint (non-
reflective/reflective)
Self-adhesive plastic/aluminum sheet
Studs (raised marking)
Glass beads are used to produce retro-
reflective/cats-eyes effects of the markings - to aid
Kerb markings: night driving especially in rural open areas.
Marking on the kerb indicate certain regulations like Color Convention (UK)
parking regulations. White for normal carriageway markings
Marking on the kerb and edges of islands with Yellow for restrictive markings viz.
alternative black and white line increase the waiting/parking restrictions, keep clear markings
visibility from a long distance. at bus stop, box junction, near school etc.
Back & white for pedestrian crossings
Pattern Convention (UK)
Broken lines are permissive in character
Solid lines are restrictive in character
Double lines indicated maximum restrictions
New Trend
Conventional road markings are effective only at dry
weather not during rainy condition as rain water cover
the markings and hinder reflection. New type of highly
durable plastic retro-reflective material is being used in
4mm thick layer to give lane markings which is visible
even during wet (usually 2mm rain water film) condition
- it is less expensive than that of cats-eye stud type
markings.
Bangladesh
use of normal domestic paints for pavement
markings
no uniformity/consistency of road markings
absence of required markings at potentially
hazardous locations
most of the road users are not aware of the meaning
of road markings