One or more lanes or shoulders is reversed to the opposing direction for some period of time. Its benefit is derived from taking advantage of the unused capacity of the minor flow direction to increase capacity in the major flow direction, potentially negating or deferring the need to construct additional lanes. This document presents a set of national guidelines and list of considerations for planning, design, operation and evaluation of reversible lane systems with the intent to enhance the understanding of, and promote consistency with regard to, reversible lane systems. Through these guidelines, it is hoped that the safety and efficiency of reversible lane systems will be enhanced. The purpose of the document is to: increase the understanding of reversible lane and roadway use; serve as a practical guide to planning, design, implementation, management, and evaluation; promote reversible lane systems as a viable, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for consideration when developing alternatives to improve mobility and reduce congestion within constrained corridors in a cost-effective and environmentally-sustainable manner; and provide guidance for uniformity in their design and operation, with the goal of improving road user comprehension as well as operational efficiency and safety. (Author/publisher)
Abstract