Channelization is a
traffic engineering concept that employs the use of secondary roads to separate certain flows of traffic from the main traffic lanes. This method came into favor in the United States in the 1950s. One of the most effective and efficient methods of controlling the traffic on a highway is the adoption of high
intersection
In mathematics, the intersection of two or more objects is another object consisting of everything that is contained in all of the objects simultaneously. For example, in Euclidean geometry, when two lines in a plane are not parallel, their i ...
geometric design standards. Channelization is an integral part of at-grade intersections and is used to separate turning movements from through movements where this is considered advisable and hence helps reduce the intensity and frequency of loss of life and property due to
crashes to a large extent. Proper channelization increases capacity, improves safety, provides maximum convenience, and instils driver confidence. Improper channelization has the opposite effect and may be worse than none at all. Over-channelization should be avoided because it could create confusion and worsen operations. Channelization of at-grade intersections is the separation or regulation of conflicting traffic movements into definite paths of travel by the use of
pavement markings, raised islands, or other suitable means to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of both vehicles and
pedestrian
A pedestrian is a person traveling on foot, whether walking or running. In modern times, the term usually refers to someone walking on a road or pavement, but this was not the case historically.
The meaning of pedestrian is displayed with ...
s.
References
Channelization-The Design of Highway Intersections at Grade Transportation Research Board, 1952 (TRB Special Report #5).
Channelization-The Design of Highway Intersections at Grade Transportation Research Board, 1962 (TRB Special Report #74).
* Neuman, Timothy R. (June 1985)
Intersection Channelization Design Guide Transportation Research Board (National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report NR279). .
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Road junction types