𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧
Intersections are the most dynamic and challenging areas of any road network.
They bring together vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists moving in different directions, all sharing the same space, often at the same time.
This convergence leads to a unique set of operational characteristics, and managing conflicts—like merging, crossing, and diverging—is at the heart of effective intersection design.
Safety and capacity are the cornerstones of good intersection design, and one of the biggest factors influencing safety is traffic volume.
As more vehicles approach an intersection, the potential for conflicts—and therefore crashes—rises.
But the type of traffic control matters too: signalised intersections tend to see more rear-end and sideswipe collisions, while stop or give-way controls can increase crossing crashes.
How do we mitigate these risks?
Let’s take a look at some common causes of crashes and the engineering solutions that help reduce them:
🔸 Poor sight distance: Add dedicated turning lanes or manage speed to improve reaction time.
🔸 Visibility at night: Upgrading lighting can make intersections more noticeable and safer.
🔸 Curves within intersections: Increasing corner radii helps vehicles navigate turns more smoothly.
🔸 Steep grades: Improve sight distances to enhance visibility and reduce accidents.
🔸 Poor drainage and skid resistance: Enhancing drainage and surface roughness improves traction, especially in wet conditions.
Understanding these challenges is key to designing intersections that not only move traffic efficiently but also reduce the risk of accidents.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive deeper into each aspect of intersection design, offering insights and practical tips to enhance your understanding.
Want to learn more right away?
We’re hosting a free webinar on 23 October 2024, where we’ll explore intersection design in depth.
You’ll gain expert insights and practical solutions you can apply immediately to your projects.
📅 Register now using the link below and secure your spot!
https://lnkd.in/da6FvzAa
Stay tuned for more posts where we’ll unpack additional strategies for safer and more efficient intersections.