Course Description
The many challenges facing engineers for designing safe and cost-effective highways. Focus is on highway design principles and practices, particularly as they relate to safety. Additionally, statistical and analytical methods commonly used in highway safety analysis will be introduced, including analysis of accident statistics, identification and diagnosis of hazardous locations, development and evaluation of alternative improvements.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
A class project will be required. Students must choose a project topic related to the class subjects and approved by the instructor. The deliverable of the project will include an oral presentation and a technical report.
Athena Title
Highway Design Traffic Safety
Prerequisite
CVLE 4210/6210
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
• Understand the concept and principles of highway design. • Describe the implications of highway design features on traffic safety. • Apply relevant highway design principles/standards. • Identify and analyze hazardous locations. • Develop potential engineering solutions to address safety issues. • Evaluate project alternatives as part of the design process.
Topical Outline
• Traffic Stream Components • Highway Functions and Classifications • Horizontal Alignment and Transition • Vertical Alignment • Combination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignment • Cross Section Elements and Roadside Safety • Context Sensitive Design Concept • Traffic Control Devices • Intersection Geometric Design • Access Management • Estimating Safety of Highways • Identification and Diagnosis of Hazardous Locations • Safety Improvement and Project Evaluation
Syllabus