Developing a practical framework to optimize the length of weaving segments by incorporating environmental and public health factors
Focus Area
Sustainability
Subcommittee
Air Quality, Environmental Process
Status
Archived
Cost
$500k-$750k
Timeframe
2-3 years
Research Idea Scope
A weaving segment on freeway is one of vehicle conflict hot spots. Many studies have been focused on the safety and mobility performance of the weaving segment, in terms of geometric design and traffic flow. A recent study demonstrated that the length of the weaving segment is also associated with drivers’ driving stress and exhaust emissions, especially toxic emissions, such as HC, CO and NOx. With regard to this, it is proposed to develop a practical framework to optimize the length of weaving segments, aiming to minimize adverse environmental and public health effects, such as exhaust emissions and driving stress, and meanwhile enhance safety and mobility.
Urgency and Payoff
In the United States, most people still rely on their personal vehicles for mobility and daily commuting. The adverse environmental and public health effects are chronic for commuters, which consequences are enormous. The practical framework can provide instruction to design and maintain a weaving segment towards minimizing the adverse effects for the long term.
Submitted
05/26/2017