Design policies for sight distance at stop-controlled intersections based on gap acceptance

• Published in: Transportation research. Part A, Policy and practice Vol. 33; no. 3; pp. 199 - 216
• Main Authors: Harwood, Douglas W., Mason, John M., Brydia, Robert E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.1999; Elsevier
• Series: Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
• ISSN: 0965-8564; 1879-2375
• DOI: 10.1016/S0965-8564(98)00040-8

The current AASHTO policy for sight distance at stop-controlled intersections is based on a model of the acceleration performance of a minor-road vehicle turning left or right onto a major road and the deceleration performance of the following major-road vehicle. This paper develops and quantifies an alternative intersection sight distance model based on gap acceptance. The paper describes field studies that were performed to determine the critical gaps appropriate for use in sight distance design. It is recommended that the sight distance along the major road for a passenger car at a stop-controlled intersection be based on a distance equal to 7.5 s of travel time at the design speed of the major road. Longer sight distances are recommended for minor-road approaches that have sufficient truck volumes to warrant consideration of a truck as the design vehicle. ©