Abstract
A survey of traffic engineers has been conducted and observations made on several lane drop sites throughout the country to define the extent and characteristics of freeway lane drop operational problems. There is very little standardization of lane drop geometric design or traffic control device treatment. Also, a high incidence of last-second lane changes and erratic maneuvers have been observed at may lane drop locations. Lane drop situations have been classified into five functional categories, and a set of design principles has been developed. Examples of the application of the design principles are discussed. (Author/publisher)