Ruiz González, Johnathan J.

Profile Picture

Filters

20181
Reset filters

Settings

Citations

Publication Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Publication
    Operation and safety evaluation of roadway geometrics and posted speed limit in the PR-22 dynamic toll lane using a driving simulator
    (2018) Ruiz González, Johnathan J.; Colucci Ríos, Benjamín; College of Engineering; Valdés Díaz, Didier M.; Torres García, Wandaliz; Department of Civil Engineering; Bartolomei Suárez, Sonia
    This research presents the initial in-depth study of the PR-22 Dynamic Toll Lane (DTL) using the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) driving simulator, the first of its kind in Puerto Rico. The PR-22 DTL is a managed lane facility implemented in Puerto Rico in 2011 and operated by Autopistas Metropolitanas de Puerto Rico, LLC (METROPISTAS - an ABERTIS Company). This system is used to improve the level of service and mitigate the effect of traffic congestion in the Metropolitan area. The managed lane system combines reversible lane operations shared by private vehicles, as well as a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Driving behavior and potential safety hazards associated with this type of facility were evaluated using fifty-four (54) subject drivers across three independent variables that represented each treatment, namely, Lane Width (i.e. 12, 11 and 10 feet), Posted Speed Limit (i.e. 65, 55 and 45 mph), and Time of Day Condition (i.e. morning, evening, and night). These treatment combinations were measured through three dependent variables as part of the study, namely, Operational Speed, Acceleration Noise and Lateral Position. Furthermore, simulation data of these variables were collected in seven zones of interest that represented safety hazard points inside the PR-22 DTL, specifically the DTL entrance, pocket lanes at the left side, before, during and after the bridge separation, pocket lanes at the right side and at the DTL Exit. The integrated statistical data analysis consisted of two methods, General Linear Model (linear model) and Random Forest Model (non-linear model). Research findings showed that subject drivers have a higher operational speed in narrow lanes (less than 12 feet) and used the incorrect DTL exit in 22% of all the scenarios. In addition, an increase in the variable acceleration noise was detected at the DTL exit for the Time of Day Condition variable, where nighttime condition resulted with the highest acceleration noise. The most important variable in the Random Forrest Model for the Operational Speed variable is the Posted Speed Limit variable that records the highest Increase in Mean Square Error Percentage (IncMSE%) in six of the seven zones evaluated. The Lane Width variable was the most important variable in the Random Forest Model for the Acceleration Noise variable. Lastly, as it was expected the Time of Day Condition is the most important variable that affects the Lateral Position variable. The findings demonstrated that the non-linear model validates the results of the linear model evaluated. Based on the findings of this research, a new configuration of geometric elements, as well as a new posted speed limit in the PR-22 DTL is proposed. This recommendation can be adapted in the future by the administrators of the PR-22 DTL, METROPISTAS, to contribute to improve the safety and operation of the facility.