摘要: |
This paper addresses the issue of Automated Highway System (AHS) interfaces with other transportation facilities. AHS interfaces may cause problems, due to either AHS interactions with conventional systems or internal limitations from AHS merging capabilities. If these problems exist, either the AHS or the conventional road network cannot function properly. Then, the system as a whole will break down and the AHS could potentially prove a detriment to the overall transportation system. Clearly not enough is known about the automated merging process to determine what conditions would lead to congestion at interface points. Before detailed analysis of these interface points can be undertaken, however, general principles regarding how and where AHS merging will take place must be determined. Two general possibilities for AHS merging are interface points with local arterial systems through dedicated automated merge lanes and interface points with conventional freeway systems by way of transition lanes. An initial estimation shows that although both interface possibilities pose serious challenges to AHS developers, the dedicated lanes alternative is more beneficial from a traffic flow standpoint. In fact, the transition lane alternative may not be feasible except in areas with very low volumes. This paper presents an evaluation which attempts to determine which AHS scenario seems to be the most feasible, providing for dedicated automated ramps or not providing for automated ramps. |