The capacity if any element of the highway system is the maximum number of vehicles with reasonable

expectation of passing over the section (either one or both directions) during a given time period under
prevailing roadway and traffic conditions.

Example of capabilities for modern highway element

Defining Terms Associated with Capacity

Maximum Volume

Where traffic flow is likely to continue without breakdown and serious compositions. It follows that
at capacity, the quality of level of service is far from ideal.

Number of Vehicles

Capacity is stated in passenger cars per hour. Trucks and buses in the traffic stream can decrease the
road capacity substantially.

Reasonable Expectations

Values for capacity cannot be determined exactly due to the many variable that affect traffic flows,
particularly at high volumes. Assigned values for capacity are more of probability rather than
certainties.

One Direction Against Two Directions

Traffic is one direction flows independently from that of the other. On the other hand, on two and
three lane roads there are interactions between traffic in the two directions and these affect traffic
flow and capacity.

A Given Time Period

Traffic volume and capacity are stated in vehicles per hour but traffic flow does not vary uniformly
with time, volume and capacities. This variation within an hour is expressed by a peak hour factor
(PHF) This factor which is less or equal to one in the quotient of the hourly volume divided by the
shorter period volume multiplied by the number of periods in an hour.
 Example:

If the hourly volume is 1000 and the highest 5 minutes volume is 100, the peak hour factor (PHF)
will be:

1000
x 12 periods in and hour at 5 min/period
100
10
= 0.85
12
Where:
60 min = 12
5 min

Prevailing Roadway and Traffic Conditions

This includes physical features that affect capacity like lane and shoulder width, sight distance and grades.
It also reflects changes in the character of the traffic stream.

Ambient Condition is weather related conditions that affect capacity such as rain, fog, smog or wind.

The level of service is commonly accepted as measure of the restrictive effects of increased volume. Each
segment of the roadway can be rated at an appropriate level from A to F inclusive to reflect its condition
at given demand of service volume.

Level A = Free flow; speed control by driver's desire

B = Stable Flow; operating speeds beginning to be restricted: little or no restrictions on

maneuver ability from other vehicles.

C = Stable Flow; speeds and maneuverability more closely restricted.

D = Approaches unstable flow; tolerable speeds can be maintained but temporary restrictions
to flow cause substantial drop in speed. Little freedom to maneuver comfort and
convenience flow.

E = Volume near capacity; speeds in neighborhood of 45 km./hr. Flow stable: stoppage of

momentary duration. Ability to maneuver is limited.

F = Forced Flow: low operating speeds, volume below capacity.

The ideal conditions for the roadway to have an uninterrupted flow must:

1. Have 3.60 meters lane and 1.80 meters wide shoulder.

2. Road with flat grades.
3. Sight disturbance unrestricted
4. No trucks or buses plying the route.
 If these conditions are not met, road capacity may be reduced. Enumerated below are the factors that
contribute to the reduction of road capacity and level of service.

1. Narrow lanes and shoulders, and restriction on edge clearance.

2. Sharp horizontal curves create dynamic forces to which drivers react. Short vertical curve over
crests or obstructions to vision on the inside of horizontal curves causes vehicles to slow down.
3. Commercial vehicles like truck requires more highway space per vehicle than the passenger cars.
4. Effects of grade on uphill road, makes desirable vehicle spacing for higher road capacity. The 3%
to 7% road upgrades does not affect passenger cars unlike cargo trucks that are markedly affected
by steeper grade.

Weaving section is defined as the crossing of two or more traffic streams traveling in the same general
directions along a significant path of highway with the aid of traffic signal. The Traffic Circle Rotary or
"Roundabout" is considered series of weaving sections placed end to end. Likewise, a partial and full
cloverleaf interchanges are example of weaving section. Vehicle entering the freeway must weave with
those leaving the freeway. In establishing level of service for design purposes, each highway agency
establishes its own guidelines composed of two elements

1. The traffic volume served.

2. To proportion the basic freeway, weaving sections, ramps and ramp junctions to accommodate
this flow at the designated level of service using appropriate data

Passenger Car Equivalent of Trucks on Freeway Upgrades

 Limiting Volumes in Passenger Cars Per Hour for Freeways and
On and Off Ramps for Various Levels of Service and PHF of 1.00

Factors that Affect the Capacity and Level of Service

1. The Physical and operating width approaches.

2. The Physical and operating parking conditions.
3. Physical and operating one way versus two-way streets
4. Environmental conditions - load factor
5. Environmental conditions - peak hour
6. Traffic characteristics - turning movements
7. Traffic characteristics - trucks and through buses
8. Traffic characteristics - local transit buses
It is commonly known in your area that the heaviest traffic flow rates occur between 4:00PM and 6:30PM.
For each 15-mintue interval, the number of right-turns, left-turns, straight-through trucks, and straight-
through cars, based on the given data below, calculate the peak hour volume (PHV), peak hour factor
(PHF), and the actual design flow rate for this approach if a truck is equal to 1.5 passenger cars and a right
turn is as well, and if a left-turn is equal to 2.5 passenger cars.

For 4:00 – 4:15, total 66.5 = 67

Left turns 5 X 2.5 = 12.5

Right turns 10 X 1.5 = 15

ST trucks 6 X 1.5 = 9

ST cars 30

PHV = 103 + 114 + 135 + 113

= 465

PHF = 465 / (4 X 135)

= 0.86

Actual design flow rate = PHV / PHF

= 465 / 0.86

= 540