Delay Underestimation at Free Right-turn Channelized Intersections

To quantify the effect of unnecessary motorist hesitation in free right-turn channels and its impact on engineering delay models, the authors observed peak-hour operations at two free right-turn channelized intersections in Utah County, Utah. Regression analysis demonstrated that perceived vehicle conflicts would significantly increase individual vehicle delay at free right-turn channels, and that existing traffic prediction models did not adequately describe this delay. On average, motorists yield about 2 seconds for each conflicting vehicle. This finding raises questions about the validity of current delay assumptions for free right-turn channels, or indicates the driving public may need more adequate signage. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.