Abstract: A Hybrid Dynamic Lane Operation (HDLO) is proposed for signalized intersection along an urban arterial to make best use of available arterial space and efficiently serve periodic unbalanced directional traffic. In accordance with the predominant direction of travel that varies over time, reversible lanes, changeable approach lanes, and conventional lanes are placed in combination on the opposing approaches along the arterial to channelize intersection in a traditional way. The movement of traffic is managed by traffic control device and signal timing techniques that are commonly used. Directions of travel on reversible lanes and changeable approach lanes are reoriented by traffic event-driven cooperation of road zipper and changeable lane-use sign. Simulation of peak periods is carried out and results indicate that, in contrast to existing lane operations, the proposed HDLO can improve intersection performance and balance the use of bidirectional arterial space. The operation advantage of HDLO becomes more significant when the intersection is operated near or over the capacity.

Key words: transportation engineering, urban arterial, signalized intersection, unbalanced directional traffic, dynamic lane, microscopic traffic simulation