EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS OF A ROUNDABOUT WITH PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

Abstract

This article describes the effect of pedestrian crossings on the roundabout capacity. Recently there is a tendency to use roundabouts instead of crossroads with traffic light regulation, since ring intersection has significant advantages, especially during the periods between rush hours. The balance of traffic flows has a significant impact on the performance of the roundabout. During the field surveys traffic jams were recorded. Their concentration was particularly high at the entrances and exits of the observed roundabout. Comparison of empirical data with the figures given in the regulatory documentation for the design of roundabouts, showed the need to design a two-level roundabout. Information on correspondences at the intersection was processed for further use in the simulation model. To assess the traffic situation and the impact of pedestrian flows on it, the roundabout model was constructed. The main parameter for assessing the performance of this road network section was the delay time of vehicles when passing through the intersection. The simulation was carried out in three different scenarios: the roundabout with and without traffic lights as well as the complete absence of intersecting pedestrian and traffic flows. The results of roundabout`s computer simulation confirmed the presence of big traffic delays on this section of the road network, which were caused, among other things, by the pedestrian crossings located in the close proximity to the roundabout`s entrances and exits.