Congress Avenue Regional Arterial Study: Collector - Distributor Lanes

摘要

The concept of a collector-distributor lane system as part of a regional arterialstreet improvement program is introduced. Such a system can improve operational aspects of certain urban arterial streets by provision of a transitional space between through-traffic streams and entering-exiting streams. Facilities for which this concept is most applicable, are arterial streets along which development has occurred that is inconsistent with the arterial street primary function which is, according to the 1990 AASHTO Policy, through travel and major circulation movement. For the comprehensive regional arterial program, as well as the collector-distributor system, the acquisition of additional right-of-way is regarded as cost and/or time prohibitive. The idea of exclusive right-turn lanes along arterials is covered in some detail, and many reports recognize the applicability of right-most lane to separate turning and slower moving vehicles from through traffic. Issues that have potentially significant impacts on design and operation or urban arterials are described, specifically, those that pertain to the design and implementation of collector-distributor lanes. Benefits of converting an existing through-traffic lane into a collector-distributor lane are identified, and criteria for implementation of a collector-distributor lane are described and recommended design standards and procedures are presented.