摘要: |
The primary purpose of this research study was to assist MDT in determining conditions under which differential speed limits or, alternatively, uniform speed limits should be utilized on two-lane rural highways. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) Determine the safety impacts associated with the use of differential speed limits on rural two-lane roads, including the impacts on crash frequency and crash severity; (2) Determine the operational impacts associated with the use of differential speed limits on rural two-lane roads, including the impacts on speeds, queues, and passing maneuvers; and (3) Provide guidance towards the use or non-use of differential speed limits on two-lane rural highways in Montana. The major tasks in this research project included: (1) Review literature, policies, and practices related to speed limits in the United States. (2) Perform a field study to evaluate the impact of speed limit and other roadway factors on free flow speeds, platooning, and passing events on two-lane rural highways in Montana. (3) Evaluate traffic crash data from two-lane rural highways in Montana, develop safety performance functions using this data, and compare Montana safety performance with that of neighboring states. (4) Survey Montana road users and registered motor carriers to determine preferences towards various speed limit policy alternatives and potential impacts (behavioral, safety, economic, etc.) associated with changes to speed limit policies. (5) Synthesize the research findings and develop recommended guidelines for speed limit policies on two-lane highways in Montana. |