Producing a Free–Flow Model for the First Chilean Freeway Using Highway Capacity Manual 2000

The present work shows the results of a research study of the operation of the first interurban Chilean freeway [“Autopista del Sol,” $120\mathrm{km}(75\mathrm{mi})$ ]. The results of the study made it possible to obtain the first speed–flow model for a representative segment of a Chilean freeway and compared these results with the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 1985 and 2000 models. The study also permitted producing a number of important recommendations for freeway design and operational improvements for Chilean freeways. The results of the work show that the speed–flow model obtained for Autopista del Sol lies between the 1985 and 2000 HCM models. The difference found in the model with respect to those proposed in the manual are discussed.