TRANSPOENG
Principles of Transportation Engineering
Module 2.0
Introduction to Traffic Engineering Studies
Spot Speed Studies
Objectives
1. To determine the range and magnitude of speeds as a basis for formulating
the design standards.
2. To establish maximum and minimum speed limits.
3. To determine the need for posting advisory speed signs.
4. To determine the need for school zone protection.
5. To evaluate the performance of a geometric improvement or traffic control
device through a “before-and-after” study.
Methods
Manual Method
A very useful and less expensive way of conducting spot speed studies is
called the “trap length” method.
Two lines, 30-50 m apart, are drawn transversely on the pavement.
A stopwatch is then used to measure the “travel time” of the vehicle within
the “trap”.
The length of the trap is divided by the travel time estimate the speed.
The observer must be well trained in order to reduce error attributed to
parallax, a common error in most visual methods of conducting surveys.
Methods
Radar Method
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Methods
Road Detectors
http://www.ce.memphis.edu/4162/L6_Speed_Studies.pdf
Several Considerations
Manual Method
A very useful and less expensive way of conducting spot speed studies is
called the “trap length” method.
Two lines, 30-50 m apart, are drawn transversely on the pavement.
A stopwatch is then used to measure the “travel time” of the vehicle within
the “trap”.
The length of the trap is divided by the travel time estimate the speed.
The observer must be well trained in order to reduce error attributed to
parallax, a common error in most visual methods of conducting surveys.
References
Technical Committee on Geometric Design. (2011). A Policy on Geometric
Design of Highways and Streets, 6th Edition. American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials. USA
Garber, N.J., & Hoel, L.A. (2009). Traffic and Highway Engineering, Fourth
Edition. Cengage Learning. Canada
Mannering, F.L., Washburn, S.S., & Kilareski, W.P. (2009). Principles of
Highway Engineering and Traffic Analysis. John Wiley & Sons. USA
Roess, R.P., Prassas, E.S., McShane, W.R. (2011). Traffic Engineering.
Pearson Higher Education, Inc. USA
Questions?
