Evaluation of Delays and Accidents at Intersections for Median Lane Construction

The tremendous increase in motor vehicle usage during recent years in Indiana (7)* and in the United States (1) has greatly affected highway operation. This increase in motor vehicle usage has created an added demand on all components of the highway system resulting in increased operating costs to the motoring public. Inter­ sections are an important component of this system and the increased travel volumes have created congestion at many approaches in the urban, suburban, and rural areas. Where the intersection is at grade, streams of turning and crossing vehicles must join and cross each other. The points within the intersectional area used in common by these inter­ secting streams are focal points of accidents and delay. Delays result when vehicles in different streams wish to pass through these focal points at the same time. Accidents result when drivers make mistakes in judgment of the time and place that intersecting movements will occur.