Citation

Gattis JL, Iqbal Z. Transp. Res. Rec. 1994; 1456: 27.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

On higher-volume streets the traffic queues that form at signalized intersections may back up and block access into or out of side streets and driveways. Owners of abutting businesses and residents whose access is repeatedly denied by these blockages sometimes complain to municipal officials and request police action or a sign prohibiting blocking the intersection. In response to a request from city officials, research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Do Not Block Intersection/Drive signs at four sites. The signs were installed not at signalized intersections, as mentioned in the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices", but at unsignalized intersections located in advance of signalized intersections. The number of blockages caused by arterial street traffic was observed at two street intersections and at two commercial driveway intersections. Then, Do Not Block Intersection/Drive signs were installed, and the number of blockages was again recorded. The data indicated that at three of the four sites the sign had no effect on driver behavior: the proportion of blockages did not decrease after the signs were installed. At the fourth site, a higher-volume shopping center driveway, a minimal impact was associated with the installation of the sign. These findings may help officials faced with intersection blockages and citizen complaints avoid unproductive and ineffective remedial actions.

Language: en