Citation

Meredith J. APWA Reporter 2001; 68(7): 36-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes evaluation of safety measures taken at 12 intersections in Kansas City, Missouri, in the late 1990s following recommendations based on computer analyses that identified the magnitude of failings are key locations and ranking them in terms of most pressing. A deficiency index was developed, which was used to rank intersections. It converted the deficiencies into road user costs to use as a cost/benefit measure of steps taken to improve intersection operations. The analysis was more recently refined with an emphasis on safety to identify intersections in need of improvements for this reason. Short-range implementations were made and a limited number of them have been completed. Collision diagrams were generated for the most dangerous intersections and physical elements of more than 50 intersections were correlated with accidents. Short-range steps included larger, more visible signals and changes in phasing. The 12 intersections receiving short-range improvements were studied for "before" and "after" conditions, which showed that a statistically significant improvement occurred.