Study Details
Study Title: Evaluation of a Lighted Pavement Marking System for Lane Delineation
Authors: Stevens et al.
Publication Date:JAN, 2011
Abstract: This paper presents an evaluation of the use of lighted pavement markers (LPMs) to delineate a triple left-turn movement at a signalized diamond intersection in Sugar Land, Texas. The lighted pavement markers are activated at the beginning of the green traffic signal indication for the triple left-turn movement and the markers stay on until the end of the yellow signal indication. The intended impact of the pavement markers was to provide positive guidance for lane keeping and reduce illegal movements and crashes on the intersection approach with the triple left-turn assignment. In addition, a dynamic message sign (DMS) is installed 900 feet ahead of the intersection, and it displays allowed travel movements for the three left-turn lanes and an alternate message reminding drivers to stay in their lane. An evaluation study was conducted with and without the LPMs operating to compare traffic volumes, lane changes, lane keeping violations, and illegal movements between the two study periods (LPM ON and LPM OFF). During the LPM ON period the lighted pavement marker system was in place and was active, and during the LPM OFF period the lighted pavement marker system was in place but was inactive. The DMS stayed active during both study periods. It was determined that the lighted pavement markers appeared to reduce lane keeping violations and illegal movements. Furthermore, a comparison of six months before and six months after crash data showed some positive results, but due to the small time increment, no statistically significant conclusions could be made.
Study Citation: Stevens, R.G., Tydlacka, J., Voigt, A.P., and Worley, D.C., "Evaluation of a Lighted Pavement Marking System for Lane Delineation." Presented at the 90th Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., (2011).
CMFs Associated With This Study
Category: Delineation
Countermeasure: Install lighted pavement marking system for lane delineation
| CMF | CRF(%) | Quality | Crash Type | Crash Severity | Roadway Type | Area Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.889 | 11.1 |  | All | All | Principal Arterial Other | Urban |
