The median U-turn intersection is a potential method for relieving traffic congestion at intersections. Median U-turn intersections can be classified into six types, according to the prohibited traffic movements. Although much is known about the technology of the median U-turn, efforts have focused on its geometric design, safety analysis, and evaluation. In this paper, a lane-based optimization model is proposed for the integrated design of median U-turn intersection types, lane markings, distances between the median crossovers and the main intersection, and signal timings. The capacity maximization problem is considered, and a set of constraints is determined that ensures the feasibility and safety of the optimization results. The optimization is formulated as a multi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem. It is solved by transformation to a series of mixed-integer linear programming models. The latter can be solved by the standard branch-and-bound technique. Extensive numerical analysis and a case study have shown the effectiveness of the proposed method. In addition, the method can assist transportation professionals in the proper selection of U-turn types and in the design of intersections with median U-turns.


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    Title :

    Optimal Intersection Operation with Median U-Turn


    Subtitle :

    Lane-Based Approach


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:
    Zhao, Jing (author) / Ma, Wanjing (author) / Head, K. Larry (author) / Yang, Xiaoguang (author)


    Publication date :

    2014-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



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