Effect of U-turning at Midblock Facilities on Weaving Intensity

Abstract

The study is aimed at determining the extent of weaving intensity induced by u-turning movements at roadway midblock facilities. The objectives are to estimate, weaving and volume ratios, as well as weaving intensity per directional flow. Weaving impact studies were carried out at 4 sites in Malaysia during daylight and dry weather conditions. Twenty four hours traffic volume, speed, headway and vehicle types’ were collected continuously for 8 weeks from January to March 2012 for both directional traffic flows. Survey data were supplemented with information culled from the Malaysian Public Works Departments highway design manual. Results show that weaving, deceleration and diverging to entry lane are less severe than those caused by acceleration and merging from exit. The study concluded that weaving intensity is heightened in the vicinity of the Midblock entry carriageway lane.