Influence of experimental pavement markings on urban freeway exit-ramp traffic speeds

Motor vehicle crashes on curved roadway sections occur more frequently and tend to be more severe than those on straight sections. Speed is a significant factor in many crashes that occur on curves. The effects on traffic speeds of special pavement markings intended to reduce speeds on freeway exit ramps with horizontal curves were examined. An experimental pavement marking pattern was employed that narrowed the lane width of both the curve and a portion of the tangent section leading into the curve by use of a gradual inward taper of existing edgeline or exit gore pavement markings or both. Traffic speeds were analyzed before and after installation of the pavement markings at four experimental ramps in New York and Virginia. Results indicated that the markings were generally effective in reducing speeds of passenger vehicles and large trucks. The markings were associated with significant reductions in the percentages of passenger vehicles and large trucks exceeding posted exit-ramp advisory speeds.