Investigators

Didier M Valdes Diaz, Ph.D.
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus
Department of Civil Engineering

Final Report

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Final Report Summary

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Project

Phase III: Operational and Safety-Based Analyses of Varied Toll Lane Configurations

Managed lanes facilities are providing an opportunity to reduce travel time as well as pollution
worldwide. In 2013, Puerto Rico built their first ever two lane reversible Dynamic Toll Lane (DTL) facility.
The 10.4-kilometer managed lane, located at the median of the PR-22 freeway, is shared by Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT) and passenger cars. Safety issues have been found associated to sudden lane changing and
incorrect use of the designated DTL exit. An online survey was developed to gather information and
knowledge of drivers in managed lanes facilities. A driving simulator was used to study the safety
aspects of driving behavior along the PR-22 DTL. The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez cockpit
simulator was used to compare the driving behavior between two configurations of signage and
pavement markings. Configuration 1 corresponds to the existing condition of signage and Configuration
2 consists of a proposed treatment of signage and in-lane pavement markings. The information gathered
in the online survey was used to develop the proposed treatment. A total of 24 participants drove 6
representative scenarios based on the independent variables traffic flow and time of the day. The
performance measurement used to evaluate driving behavior was the vehicle Average Lane Position.
The results indicate that Configuration 2 improved the Average Lane Position variable in at least 67% of
the zones evaluated, when compared to Configuration 1.

Supporting links:
Webinar
TRID Record