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 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 marking
Road surface marking is any kind of device or material that is used on a Pavement (material), road surface in order to convey official information; they are commonly placed with road marking machines (also referred to as road marking equipment o ...
s, raised islands, or other suitable means to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of both vehicles and
pedestrians.
References
Channelization-The Design of Highway Intersections at Grade Transportation Research Board
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is a division of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, formerly the National Research Council of the United States, which serves as an independent adviser to the President of the Uni ...
, 1952 (TRB Special Report #5).
Channelization-The Design of Highway Intersections at Grade Transportation Research Board
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is a division of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, formerly the National Research Council of the United States, which serves as an independent adviser to the President of the Uni ...
, 1962 (TRB Special Report #74).
* Neuman, Timothy R. (June 1985)
Intersection Channelization Design Guide Transportation Research Board
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is a division of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, formerly the National Research Council of the United States, which serves as an independent adviser to the President of the Uni ...
(National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report NR279). .
{{road-stub
Road junction types