2002-08-12 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing and Workshop Meeting

Browse Search

e e In summary, the demonstration project of restricting the left lane from trucks along the 1-10 East Freeway has proven to be successful. Compliance rates have increased to average between 70-90%. Levels above 70% are termed as acceptable while those at 85% or higher are desirable and considered as a high-level of compliance. The high degree of compliance is also a reflection of the enforcement actiyities within the corridor. With only 20% of violators being local driyers, the more frequent users of the roadway are well informed and comply with the restriction. Although there are seyeral factors which affect crash rates, the lane restriction likely had a role in reducing vehicle crashes by 68% along the freeway mainlanes during the 36-weeks which haye been monitored. The traffic studies also determined that there was no significant impact on the frequency of lane changing or traffic patterns as a result of the lane restriction. About 90% of motorists surveyed were aware of the lane restriction and around 90% of automobile users were in favor of the project. Although the majority of truck drivers felt that the restriction did not significantly impact their travel, they did raise several issues of concern which may require investigation by TxDOT. In closing, although the lane has shown to have been a successful endeavor along the test section of the 1-10 East Freeway, it should not be blanketly deployed on all freeways throughout Houston. Each freeway should be evaluated indiyidually considering truck volumes, traffic congestion, roadway geometrics, as well as enforcement. The restrictive lane can only be successful on a specific roadway if adequate enforcement is made ayailable.