The behaviour of traffic flows in the vicinity of a controlled intersection of rural roads has been studied, in order to extend the applicability of microscopic simulation models for traffic operation to roads with intersections. Traffic flow characteristics and relations were compared with those of undisturbed sections of two-lane roads with ideal geometric characteristics, far from intersections. Data were collected at stations upstream and downstream of the extra lanes that are present to ease the traffic operation at the intersection. Analysed were: mean speed, level of platooning and frequency of small headways as a function of volume and truck percentage; the speed distribution; the speed distribution; the distribution of free speeds; the platoon capacity; the differences between cars and trucks regarding speeds and platooning. It was found that compared with ideal road sections: speeds are lower, effect of volume and truck percentage on speed is the same, and there is more platooning and same car-following behaviour. (A)
Samenvatting