Safety and operational characteristics of lane widths on urban and rural roadways A simulator study

The primary goal for this study was to further evaluate and assess the effect of lane width on the safety and operation of roadways in South Carolina. Due to various site conditions that affect the safety and operations of roadways, highway design engineers often face many challenges when developing appropriate road design standards. To investigate specific site conditions for the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) a research study took place. In 2011, Part 1 of this research included field studies conducted by Kevin Baumann and Trey Jordan. Due to the various limitations of the field studies it was evident that additional research needed to take place. This study (Part 2) uses a driving simulator study to examine three different lane and shoulder width combinations on a rural curvy two-lane highway to determine the effects on lateral position. These roadways were composed of various curves and straight sections with a speed limit of 50 miles per hour. The study also examined how three different two-way left turn lane (TWLTL) widths affected gap acceptance and maneuverability within the lane for a three lane highway with a center lane (3T) and a five lane highway with a center lane (5T). Below is a list of all the conditions that were tested. Combinations * 12 ft. lane width, no paved shoulder * 12 ft. lane width, 2 ft. paved shoulder * 10 ft. lane width, 2 ft. paved shoulder TWLTL Widths * 12 ft. * 14 ft. * 16 ft. The simulated scenarios were designed to provide comparable data among the three roadway combinations and comparisons between three TWLTL widths. Together the results from this study and from Part 1 will coalesce to form design recommendations regarding the selection of standard lane and shoulder widths for new projects in South Carolina.