Citation

Temple JF. Transp. Res. Rec. 1983; 906: 33-44.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1983, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The evaluation of an experimental urban traffic control strategy designed to reduce recurring congestion on the Arlington Expressway in Jacksonville, Florida, is described. The 60-day experimental project involved the daily conversion of a 2.8-mile section of the expressway to one-way operation toward the downtown area during the morning peak period and one-way operation out of the downtown area during the evening peak. The one-way operational plan, which provided temporary additional capacity for the peak direction, was developed by the Jacksonville Traffic Engineering Department and approved for implementation by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The effectiveness of the one-way strategy was measured by using before and after studies. The effectiveness of the one-way strategy was measured by using before and after studies. The primary objectives of the evaluation were to identify existing points of congestion and quantify the delay incurred, to measure travel-time savings realized by motorists who used the one-way operation, and to compare user benefits with the negative effects experienced by motorists forced to divert to alternative routes. The results of the before study indentified a four-lane bridge (Mathews Bridge) as the primary capacity constraint for peak-period traffic entering and leaving the downtown Jacksonville area. The one-way operation, in effect, doubled the capacity of this bridge to serve the peak directional flow and eliminated the recurring congestion that had developed on its approaches. During the morning westbound one-way operation, stopped delay at the Mathews Bridge toll plaza was reduced 78 percent in the peak half-hour. During the evening eastbound operation, average running speed on the expressway improved by 56 percent. Motorists entering and leaving the downtown area opposit to the peak directional flow experienced increased trip length and travel time as a result of the requirement to use alternative routes, but these increases were not unreasonable. Analysis of the systemwide impacts on fuel consumption showed a marginal net benefits. After the evaluation, FDOT approved indefinite continuation of the one-way strategy.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1983/906/906-005.pdf

Language: en

Keywords

URBAN PLANNING; MOTOR TRANSPORTATION - Management; STREET TRAFFIC CONTROL