Short Lane Model in SIDRA INTERSECTION

A unique short lane capacity model applicable to all types of intersection is used in SIDRA INTERSECTION.

The short lane capacity model includes the effect of short lanes on the capacity of adjacent full-length lanes, and satisfies the Network modelling requirements of stop-line saturation flow rates for second-by-second signal platoon patterns, and unrestricted queue lengths to model queue blockage of upstream intersection lanes by queues developed in short lanes, flowing onto adjacent lanes and extending to an upstream intersection.

The short lane model also satisfies the requirements of movement saturation flow rates including short lane effects to be used in signal timing and lane performance (delay, queue length, etc) calculations.

The characteristics of the short lane model are such that the saturation flows affected by short lanes are not fixed values based on the short lane length only, but they also vary depending on signal timings and lane flow rates as well.

According to this model, the short lane effect on lane saturation flow rates (therefore capacity and performance estimates) can apply to the subject short lane, the adjacent lane or both lanes depending on the queuing conditions.

The basis of the short lane saturation flow model is to determine the reduced saturation flow rates at the stop-lines of the short lane and the adjacent lane due to vehicles coming from the common upstream queue with increased saturation headways after the short lane queues are discharged at the full saturation flow rate while the vehicles queued within the short lane section are cleared.