Assessing the Impact of Speed-Limit Reduction near Signalized High-Speed Intersections Equipped with Advance-Warning Flashers
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part A: Systems
Volume 143, Issue 6
Abstract
An advance-warning flasher alerts drivers of the imminent onset of a yellow light at a signalized intersection, and it is widely used to reduce crash frequency and severity. Recently, a more-aggressive countermeasure, a speed-limit reduction, is being used at high-speed signalized intersections in addition to advance-warning flashers. In this paper, six high-speed intersection approaches in Nebraska were evaluated to assess the operational effects of no speed-limit reduction, an () speed-limit reduction, and a () speed-limit reduction in the vicinity of high-speed signalized intersections equipped with advance-warning flashers. The placement of speed-limit-reduction signs resulted in significant reductions in observed speeds only when upstream drivers were traveling at speeds higher than a comfortable range—1.8 to (1.1 to ) higher than the regulatory speed limit. The likelihood of this condition being satisfied was higher in case of () drop; however, it was not found to be true when the speed limit was dropped by (). Also, the compliance rates to the regulatory speed limit varied from 15 to 85%, highlighting the fact that ambient conditions have a much greater influence on drivers’ speed choices as compared to the regulatory speed limit. This research provides further evidence that speed-limit reductions, in conjunction with advance-warning flashers, appears to be an effective safety countermeasure; however, their effects will be dependent on the amount of speed-limit reduction and observed speeds.
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Jun 6, 2015
Accepted: Oct 31, 2016
Published online: Feb 16, 2017
Published in print: Jun 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jul 16, 2017
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