Development and Use of a Computer Simulation Model for the Evaluation of Design and Control Alternatives for Intersections of Minor Roads with Multi-Lane Rural Highways: Selection of the Simulation Model

摘要

The main objective of the simulation phase of this project was to analyze the safety aspects of intersections at multi-lane rural divided highways using a simulation approach, and to evaluate possible design and control alternatives in terms of accident reduction. The alternatives tested included some of the countermeasures suggested by the first two phases. This phase of the project involved three parts. The first activity was to conduct a literature review involving driver gap acceptance at intersections on multi-lane highways, accident analysis and safety measurement techniques at such intersections, and a review of the available computer simulation models. The second activity was composed of three steps: (1) A field study at rural Indiana intersections to investigate driver behavior, (2) Traffic conflict studies at signalized as well as at unsignalized intersections, to select the appropriate safety measurements, and (3) Selection and subsequent modification of a computer simulation model for the purpose of simulating traffic at intersections under study. The last part of this phase of the project was to apply the validated computer model in evaluating operation and safety of traffic under different design and control alternatives. The present report summarizes the results of a comprehensive literature survey conducted in the first part of the simulation phase of the project to select the computer model to be used in the study.