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Sustainable Transportation Design: Examining the Application Effect of Auxiliary Lanes on Dual-Lane Exit Ramps on Chinese Freeways

Author

Listed:
  • Yutong Liu

    (Highway Academy, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China
    School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Zhipeng Fu

    (C.C.C.C. First Highway Consultants Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710064, China)

  • Yiyun Ma

    (Highway Academy, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China)

  • Binghong Pan

    (Highway Academy, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, China)

Abstract

Numerous design cases of abandoning auxiliary lanes for freeway dual-lane ramps with low traffic volumes exist, adapting to complex engineering conditions and reducing construction costs, but the national specifications have not posed specific setup conditions for auxiliary lanes. Thus, this paper uses traffic flow theory and simulation tools to study the critical traffic conditions applicable to auxiliary lanes on dual-lane exit ramps of freeways. Initially, the vehicle operation data in the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) aerial video were extracted using an object detection algorithm. Subsequently, the VISSIM simulation calibration procedure was developed based on traffic flow theory and the orthogonal experimental method. The impact of auxiliary lanes on the capacity of the freeway diverging area was analyzed through the simulation results based on traffic flow theory. Eventually, the critical traffic conditions applicable to auxiliary lanes were proposed. The results show that the maximum traffic volume applicable to non-auxiliary lane designs decreases with increasing diverging ratios. The research findings define the application conditions for auxiliary lanes on dual-lane ramp exits, contributing to the sustainable development of transportation design and operations. The VISSIM simulation calibration procedure based on data collection and traffic flow theory developed in this paper also provides an innovative and sustainable approach to road design issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Yutong Liu & Zhipeng Fu & Yiyun Ma & Binghong Pan, 2025. "Sustainable Transportation Design: Examining the Application Effect of Auxiliary Lanes on Dual-Lane Exit Ramps on Chinese Freeways," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-23, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1533-:d:1589859
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chen, Danjue & Ahn, Soyoung, 2018. "Capacity-drop at extended bottlenecks: Merge, diverge, and weave," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 1-20.
    2. Jinyang Li & Zhaozhao Wu & Meiqing Li & Zhijian Shang, 2024. "Dynamic Measurement Method for Steering Wheel Angle of Autonomous Agricultural Vehicles," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-21, September.
    3. Ramadan Duraku & Diellza Boshnjaku, 2024. "Enhancing Traffic Sustainability: An Analysis of Isolation Intersection Effectiveness through Fixed Time and Logic Control Design Using VisVAP Algorithm," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-28, April.
    4. Feng Xu & Weidi Xu & Xiaona Zhang & Yin Wang & Fu Wang, 2023. "Analysis of Traffic Characteristics and Distance Optimization Design between Entrances and Exits of Urban Construction Projects and Adjacent Planar Intersections," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-24, May.
    5. Yi Qi & Yubian Wang & Xiaoming Sammy Chen & Ruey Long Cheu & Lei Yu & Hualiang Teng, 2018. "Methods of dropping auxiliary lanes at freeway weaving segments," Transportation Planning and Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(4), pages 389-401, May.
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