Traffic Condition Research And Case Study Of Freeway Truck Only Lane

With the development of economy in China freeway mileages and traffic are increasing rapidly. Trucks contribute a large proportion in freeway traffic flow, which is growing fast. From the past studies, it is found that trucks play an important role in freeway traffic and affect the traffic flow, safety, and environment more than passenger cars. Mix traffic of trucks and passenger cars may cause a wide range of problems which include inefficient economic and safety risks. However, there is lack of research in terms of the impact of truck traffic on freeway in China. In the meantime, research of separating truck and passenger cars has been studied widely. Some Countries have already practiced it in freeway design and construction.Based on the investigation of theoretic research and practice for the last decade in US, this paper suggests construct truck only lane in some congested freeway to relieve the traffic problems in China.From the analysis of truck traffic characteristics and the vehicle characteristics, this paper discusses the impact of trucks on freeway including traffic flow, safety and environment. Through the analysis, in order to alleviate freeway traffic congestion, increase traffic efficiency, and improve the traffic safety, it is necessary to separate passenger vehicles and trucks. Truck only lane is one of the efficient solutions.This paper used data from Jingjintang Freeway as a theoretic basis and a well-known traffic simulation software:VISSIM as a tool to analyze the suitable traffic condition to implement truck only lane from traffic composition and traffic flow aspects. In addition, this paper summarized the two factors that may impact the planning and design of truck only lane, which is hoping to offer some references and demonstration for urban road transportation planning and design.