Major Stream Delay under Limited Priority Conditions

Abstract

Under a limited priority situation, U-turning vehicles attempt to accept smaller gaps, which compels approaching through vehicles to slow down and experience delays. Delay within the median opening area is termed median delay, which is studied in two parts: Median delay 1 (from start to center of median opening), and Median delay 2 (center to end of median opening). The significant difference between these two delays is established by a t-test. The effect of U-turning volume on Median delay 1, Median delay 2, and total median delay is studied. Considering the lateral movements of approaching through vehicles within the median opening area, the effect of the zone on median delay is studied. Furthermore, the effect of the category of U-turning vehicle on median delay is examined. Finally, three mathematical models are proposed considering the effect of (1) U-turning volume, (2) zone through which the vehicle is moving within the median opening area, and (3) category of U-turning vehicle. The proposed models are validated by comparing the model values with the field data.