Safety Treatments at Isolated High-Speed Signalized Intersections: Synthesis

Abstract

High-speed intersections pose a safety and operational challenge. Currently, no specific guidance for treating high-speed intersections exists, particularly in the case of intersections with substantial truck traffic. To fill in this gap, this paper presents a synthesis of findings from a literature review and a survey of practitioners. Results indicate that the primary safety concerns at high-speed intersections relate to red-light running and rear-end collisions. Further, operational and safety concerns at high-speed intersections were identified as being related to the different characteristics of trucks (e.g., accelerating/decelerating capabilities). The survey indicates no consensus among practitioners on how best to improve operations and safety at high-speed signalized intersections. Specific concerns over the liability and system/equipment reliability issues were raised. This note summarizes the findings from the literature review and survey and offers recommendations to increase awareness and acceptance for high-speed intersection treatments.