Analysis of limit time intervals at unsignalized intersection with high rate of left-turning vehicles

Abstract

The paper analyzes the main characteristics of traffic flow in the area of an unsignalized intersection and their influence on the formation of limit time intervals in the main direction, considering the share of left-turning vehicles. The intersection has a significant traffic volume on all approaches, as the national road H17 and the international highway M06 pass through it. The intersection is characterized by all permitted maneuvers, a high percentage of freight vehicles, and turning vehicles from the main road.

The study of traffic conditions and traffic flow parameters at the intersection found that the traffic volume on the main road at different times of the day is more than 1000 veh/h, and the share of left-turning vehicles ranges from 10 to 30%. Based on this, the duration of the limit time intervals in the traffic flow is determined in the main direction of the unsignalized intersection. It was found that after the increase in the volume of the direct traffic flow on the main road of the unsignalized intersection exceeds 700 veh/h, the maximum time interval begins to increase by more than 10 s. It has been found that with an increase in the share of left-turning vehicles from the main road, the duration of the limit time intervals at an unsignalized intersection in the traffic flow varies between 20-25 s. The analysis of time limits on the main road shows that safe traffic modes at an unsignalized intersection are affected by the distribution of traffic volumes by direction, traffic flow heterogeneity, and the share of left-turning vehicles.

The results of the research should be considered when improving existing traffic management schemes at unsignalized intersections. When determining the permitted directions of movement from the main road, it is necessary to take into account the patterns of change in intervals in the traffic flow, since under certain circumstances they may exceed critical values and create potential traffic hazards in the intersection area. Keywords: traffic flow, unregulated intersection, traffic intensity, lane, left-hand vehicles, limit interval of movement.

Keywords: traffic flow, unsignalized intersection, traffic volume, traffic lane, left-turning vehicles, limit time interval.