Urban arterial lane flow distribution: a before and after traffic microsimulation analysis on the effect of implementing new route markings and signage.

Abstract

Urban arterials may not effectively utilize available lanes to move vehicles efficiently as drivers try to establish position along the corridor. This study evaluates lane flow distribution before and after implementing new route markings and overhead signs to utilize existing lanes better. A cellphone-based traffic data service called StreetLight gathered the traffic data used to establish the VISSIM model parameters for simulating current and projected conditions. This study shows that the lane assignment signage and route markers affected the lane flow distribution in the simulation. The simulation indicated the existing condition had average queue lengths of 320.6 meters, average travel times of 389.5 seconds, an average stop delay of 259.6 seconds, and an average lane flow distribution in the right lane of 76.1%. Upon implementing new route markers and sign installations, the projected simulation showed average queue lengths of 39.0 meters, average travel times of 171.4 seconds, an average delay of 92.5 seconds, and an average lane flow distribution in the right lane of 47.4%