Road Safety Audits
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Virginia Department of TransportationRoad Safety Audit on US 29
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Consider measures to improve drainage, including a comprehensive review of the existing drainage structures. Also remove or cut-back vegetation to improve sight distance and sign visibility and ensure the current vegetation maintenance program adequately addresses issues. The Team also suggests reviewing the pavement management plan to determine the next scheduled overlay. Pavement repair (short term) and rehabilitation/reconstruction (long term) can be considered by VDOT.
Issue 4: Operations and Design
Location: Multiple Locations along US 29 (Albemarle County)
Description of Safety Issue:
While recommendations for operational improvements are not the primary objective of the RSA, there are several operational issues that may be adversely affecting safety including the following.
- Peak period turning volumes exceed the capacity of the turn lanes and queues for through vehicles extend between intersections.
- Right-turn lanes are being used as a passing lane by some drivers.
- The far right lane does not reinforce the four-lane cross-section to motorists.
- U-turn vehicles are conflicting with right-turn on red vehicles.
- There is an inconsistent cross-section in the southbound direction.
- The posted speed limit along US 29 (45 mph) may be creating a dilemma zone for drivers.
- Traffic signal coordination is causing drivers to stop at consecutive traffic signals.
Suggestion:
Several measures are recommended by the Team to improve safety. Recommendations include the following.
- Extend right- and left-turn lanes to accommodate peak demand.
- Use enforcement to mitigate illegal maneuvers.
- Revise signal operations and lane configurations to clear queues.
- Provide consistent cross-sections and lane use markings.
- Separate right-turn lanes from through lanes.
- Sign for U-turns or RTOR.
- Review the yellow phase to ensure adequate time to eliminate the dilemma zone.
- Optimize signal timing and adjusting offsets.
- Consider installation of VMS signs to warn motorists of congestion and stopped vehicles.
Issue 5: Lighting
Location: Multiple Locations along US 29 (Albemarle County)
Description of Safety Issue:
Overhead lighting is not present along the entire study area, which is inconsistent with other similar facilities in the area where overhead lighting is provided. Lighting is a particular concern at intersections, especially where pedestrian crossings are likely to occur.
Suggestion:
Assess the feasibility of lighting. VDOT should conduct a study to assess the feasibility of providing lighting along the corridor. Lighting on the corridor will help increase the conspicuity of turning vehicles entering the roadway from the numerous access points along the corridor.
Issue 6: Pedestrian Facilities
Location: Multiple Locations along US 29 (Albemarle County)
Description of Safety Issue:
The design of some pedestrian facilities may limit their usefulness. While sidewalks are provided along both sides of US 29, there are no crosswalks or pedestrian signals at any of the intersections in the study area. There are several bus stops along US 29, but these facilities are not always clearly marked and are sometimes not located near intersections where pedestrians typically cross. Furthermore, bus stops are sometimes placed in locations where there are multiple access points. Additionally, some pedestrian facilities need to be upgraded to current accessibility standards.
Suggestion:
Place continental/ladder crosswalk pavement markings. Place pedestrian push-button activated signals with pedestrian countdown signals at major intersections along US 29 where practical and feasible after properly considering the safety, demand, timing, and signal coordination issues. Consider improvements to bus stops to improve pedestrian safety by 1) moving bus stops closer to intersections to discourage mid-block crossings, and 2) ensuring bus stops are well lit with an adequate waiting area. The team also suggests installing street lighting.