Level of

ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

Level of Service-Multilane Highway

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate

Dr. Terrance M. Rengarasu

LOS
Example

30 November 2013

1 / 34

Overlook
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Introduction

Base level

FFS

Flow Rate

LOS

Example

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

2 / 34

Overlook
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Introduction

Base level

FFS

Flow Rate

LOS

Example

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

2 / 34

Overlook
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Introduction

Base level

FFS

Flow Rate

LOS

Example

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

2 / 34

Overlook
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Introduction

Base level

FFS

Flow Rate

LOS

Example

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

2 / 34

Overlook
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Introduction

Base level

FFS

Flow Rate

LOS

Example

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

2 / 34

Overlook
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Introduction

Base level

FFS

Flow Rate

LOS

Example

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

2 / 34

Introduction
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

The procedures in this lecture are used to analyze the

capacity, level of service (LOS), lane requirements, and

impacts of traffic and design features of rural and
suburban multilane highways.
Multilane LOS procedure is similar to Freeway LOS but

there are few minor differences.

3 / 34

LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate

Although speed is a major concern of drivers, freedom to

maneuver within the traffic stream and the proximity to

other vehicles are also important.
The criteria are based on the typical speed-flow and

density-flow relationships

LOS
Example

LOS boundaries as sloped lines, each corresponding to a

constant value of density.

4 / 34

Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

100

FFS=100 km/h
90 km/h

80

80 km/h
70 km/h

60
40
20
0

ty=
11 7 pc/
km
pc
/ln
/k
m
/ln

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

Speed Flow Curves with LOS Criteria

De
nsi

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Average Passenger Car Speed (km/h)

LOS

n
/l
/ln
km /km
/ln
/
pc 2 pc c/km
16 2 28 p

400

800

1200
1600
2000
Flow Rate (pc/h/ln)

2400
5 / 34

LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

6 / 34

LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

6 / 34

LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

6 / 34

LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

6 / 34

LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

6 / 34

Base Conditions for Multilane Highway

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

1
2
3

Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate

4
5

LOS
Example

7
8

Level terrain, with grades no greater than 2%.

Minimum lane width = 3.6 m
3.6 m minimum total lateral clerence on
roadside and median.
No direct access points along the roadway.
Divided highway.
Traffic stream composed entirely of passenger
cars.
Free flow speed of 100kmph or more.
Driver population composed principally of
regular users.
7 / 34

Multilane Highway Methodology

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Input
Geometric Data
FFS orBFFS
Volume

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

BFFS Adjustment

Volume Adjustment

Lane Width
Median Type
Access Type
Lateral Clearence

peak hour factor

number of lanes
heavy-vehicle
driver population

Compute FFS

If FFS is given

FFS

Compute Vp

Define Speed-Flow curve

8 / 34

Multilane Highway Methodology

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Define Speed-Flow curve

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level

Determine spedd usingSpeed-Flow curve

FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

Define Speed-Flow curve

Define Speed-Flow curve

9 / 34

DETERMINING FFS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

FFS is measured using the mean speed of passenger cars

operating in low-tomoderate flow conditions (up to 1,400

pc/h/ln).
Mean speed is virtually constant across this range of flow

rates.
However, field measurements are not necessary to apply

the method.

10 / 34

DETERMINING FFS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

The FFS of a highway can be determined directly from a

speed study conducted in the field.

If field-measured data are used, no adjustments need to be

made to FFS.
The speed study should be conducted along a reasonable

length of highway within the segment under evaluation; for

example, an upgrade should not be selected within a site
that is generally level.
Any speed measurement technique acceptable for other

types of traffic engineering speed studies can be used.

11 / 34

ESTIMATING FFS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

The FFS can be estimated indirectly when field

data are not available.
FFS = BFFS fLW fLC fM fA

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

FFS =free-flow speed

BFFS =base free-flow speed
fLW =adjustment for lane width
fLC =adjustment for total lateral clearance
fM =adjustment for median type
fA =adjustment for access points
12 / 34

BASE FFS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level

When it is not possible to use data from a similar roadway, an

estimate might be necessary, based on available data,
experience, and consideration of the variety of factors that have
an identified effect on FFS.

FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

BFFS = Speed Limit +

(
11km/h Speed Limit65 70km/h
=
8km/h
Speed Limit80 90km/h

13 / 34

Lane Width Adjustment (fLW )

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

Base condition (fLW = 0)

Average lane width of 3.6 m or wider across all lanes

Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

14 / 34

Adjustment for Lateral Clearance (fLC )

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

TLC = LCR + LCL

|LCR |max = 1.8m
|LCL |max = 1.8m

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

LCL = left side lateral clearence measured from left

edge(m)
LCR =lateral clearence from right edge to median

measured from right edge(m)

if LCR or LCL greater than 1.8m use 1.8m
if undevided highway no LCR

15 / 34

Adjustment for Lateral Clearance (fLC )

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway

Base condition (fLC = 0)

Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

For undivided highways, LCR is always 1.8 m.

LCR in the median of roadways with two-way right-turn

lanes (TWLTLs) is considered to be 1.8 m.

16 / 34

Median Type
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level

The values in Exhibit 21-6 indicate that the average FFS should
be decreased by 2.6 km/h for undivided highways to account
for the friction caused by opposing traffic in an adjacent lane.

FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

17 / 34

Adjustment for Access-Point Density

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

Exhibit 21-7 presents the adjustment to FFS for various levels

of access-point density.
+ number of driveways
Access point density = number of intersections
Length of Road in km

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

18 / 34

DETERMINING FLOW RATE

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

Two adjustments must be made to hourly volume counts or

estimates to arrive at the equivalent passenger-car flow rate
used in LOS analyses. These adjustments are

Introduction

the PHF and;

Base level

the heavy vehicle adjustment factor

FFS
Flow Rate
LOS

The number of lanes also is used so that the flow rate can be
expressed on a per-lane basis.

Example

vp =

V
PHF N fHV fp

19 / 34

PHF
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS

PHF represents the variation in traffic flow within an hour.

Observations of traffic flow consistently indicate that the flow
rates found in the peak 15-min period within an hour are not
sustained throughout the entire hour.

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

PHF =

Peak Hour Volume

4 Peak 15mins flow

20 / 34

Heavy-Vehicle Adjustments
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

The presence of heavy vehicles in the traffic stream

decreases the FFS because base conditions allow a traffic

stream of passenger cars only.
Traffic volumes must be adjusted to reflect an equivalent

flow rate expressed in passenger cars per hour per lane

(pc/h/ln).
This is accomplished by applying the heavy-vehicle factor

(fHV ).

21 / 34

Heavy-Vehicle Adjustments
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

Once values for ET and ER have been determined, the

adjustment factor for heavy vehicles may be computed as
shown in Equation

Introduction
Base level
FFS

fHV =

1
1 + PT (ET 1) + PR (ER 1)

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

ET and ER = passenger-car equivalents for trucks and

buses and for recreational vehicles (RVs), respectively;and

PT and PR = proportion of trucks and buses, and RVs,

respectively, in the traffic stream (expressed as a decimal

fraction).

22 / 34

Passenger-car equivalents
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS

Passenger-car equivalents can be selected for two conditions:

extended general highway segments and
specific grades.

Values of passenger-car equivalents are selected from Exhibits

21-8 through 21-11. For long segments of highway in which no
single grade has a significant impact on operations, Exhibit
21-8 is used to select passenger-car equivalents for trucks and
buses (ET) and for RVs (ER).

Example

23 / 34

Driver Population Factorfp

Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

The adjustment factor fp reflects the effect weekend

recreational and perhaps even midday drivers have on the
facility. The values for fp range from 0.85 to 1.00. Typically,
the analyst should select 1.00, which reflects weekday
commuter traffic (i.e., users familiar with the highway), unless
there is sufficient evidence that a lesser value, reflecting more
recreational or weekend traffic characteristics, should be
applied.

24 / 34

DETERMINING LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

The LOS on a multilane highway can be determined directly

from Exhibit 21-3 on the basis of the FFS and the service flow
rate (vp) in pc/h/ln. The procedure is as follows:
Step 1. Define and segment the highway as appropriate.

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

Step 2. On the basis of the measured or estimated FFS,

construct an appropriate speed-flow curve of the same

shape as the typical curves shown in Exhibit 21-3. The
curve should intercept the y-axis at the FFS.
Step 3. Based on the flow rate vp, read up to the FFS

curve identified in Step 2 and determine the average

passenger-car speed and LOS corresponding to that point.

25 / 34

DETERMINING LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

26 / 34

DETERMINING LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

Step 4. Determine the density of flow according to

Equation.
Vp
S
The LOS also can be determined by comparing the computed
density with the density ranges provided in Exhibit 21-2.
D=

27 / 34

DETERMINING LOS
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

28 / 34

EXAMPLE
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

The Highway A 5.23 km undivided four-lane highway on level

terrain. A 975-m segment with 2.5 percent grade also is
included in the study. What are the peak-hour LOS, speed, and
density for the level terrain portion of the highway?

Base level

Level terrain,

FFS

85.0-km/h field-measured FFS,

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

3.4-m lane width,

1,900-veh/h peak-hour volume,
13 percent trucks and buses,
2 percent RVs, and
0.90 PHF.

29 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level

FFS given is measured, therefore, we do not want to do any

adjustment for FSS

FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

FFS = 85km/h
We need to find the volume compute in terms of pc/h/ln.

30 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION VP
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

fHV needs to calculted:

PT =0.13 (given)
PR =0.02 (given)
From Exibit 21-8: for level terrain ET =1.5 and ER =1.2

Base level
FFS

fHV =

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

fHV =

1
1 + PT (ET 1) + PR (ER 1)
1
1 + 0.13(1.5 1) + 0.02(1.2 1)
fHV = 0.935

31 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION VP
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

fHV needs to calculted:

PT =0.13 (given)
PR =0.02 (given)
From Exibit 21-8: for level terrain ET =1.5 and ER =1.2

Base level
FFS

fHV =

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

fHV =

1
1 + PT (ET 1) + PR (ER 1)
1
1 + 0.13(1.5 1) + 0.02(1.2 1)
fHV = 0.935

31 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION VP
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

fHV needs to calculted:

PT =0.13 (given)
PR =0.02 (given)
From Exibit 21-8: for level terrain ET =1.5 and ER =1.2

Base level
FFS

fHV =

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

fHV =

1
1 + PT (ET 1) + PR (ER 1)
1
1 + 0.13(1.5 1) + 0.02(1.2 1)
fHV = 0.935

31 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION VP
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

fHV needs to calculted:

PT =0.13 (given)
PR =0.02 (given)
From Exibit 21-8: for level terrain ET =1.5 and ER =1.2

Base level
FFS

fHV =

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

fHV =

1
1 + PT (ET 1) + PR (ER 1)
1
1 + 0.13(1.5 1) + 0.02(1.2 1)
fHV = 0.935

31 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION VP
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

fHV needs to calculted:

PT =0.13 (given)
PR =0.02 (given)
From Exibit 21-8: for level terrain ET =1.5 and ER =1.2

Base level
FFS

fHV =

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

fHV =

1
1 + PT (ET 1) + PR (ER 1)
1
1 + 0.13(1.5 1) + 0.02(1.2 1)
fHV = 0.935

31 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION VP
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

fHV needs to calculted:

PT =0.13 (given)
PR =0.02 (given)
From Exibit 21-8: for level terrain ET =1.5 and ER =1.2

Base level
FFS

fHV =

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

fHV =

1
1 + PT (ET 1) + PR (ER 1)
1
1 + 0.13(1.5 1) + 0.02(1.2 1)
fHV = 0.935

31 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION VP
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

fHV needs to calculted:

PT =0.13 (given)
PR =0.02 (given)
From Exibit 21-8: for level terrain ET =1.5 and ER =1.2

Base level
FFS

fHV =

Flow Rate
LOS
Example

fHV =

1
1 + PT (ET 1) + PR (ER 1)
1
1 + 0.13(1.5 1) + 0.02(1.2 1)
fHV = 0.935

31 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

V =volume of traffic in the hour of analysis =1900 (given)

PHF =0.90(given)
N =2(given total 4 so 2 per direction)
fHV =0.935(Calculated)
fp =1.00 for most of the drivers are familier with area

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate

vp =

V
PHF N fHV fp

LOS
Example

vp =

1900
0.90 2 0.935 1.00
vp = 1129pc/h/ln

Construct the speed flow curve for 85km/h Find the point
which cuts Vp = 1129pc/h/ln
32 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

V =volume of traffic in the hour of analysis =1900 (given)

PHF =0.90(given)
N =2(given total 4 so 2 per direction)
fHV =0.935(Calculated)
fp =1.00 for most of the drivers are familier with area

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate

vp =

V
PHF N fHV fp

LOS
Example

vp =

1900
0.90 2 0.935 1.00
vp = 1129pc/h/ln

Construct the speed flow curve for 85km/h Find the point
which cuts Vp = 1129pc/h/ln
32 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

V =volume of traffic in the hour of analysis =1900 (given)

PHF =0.90(given)
N =2(given total 4 so 2 per direction)
fHV =0.935(Calculated)
fp =1.00 for most of the drivers are familier with area

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate

vp =

V
PHF N fHV fp

LOS
Example

vp =

1900
0.90 2 0.935 1.00
vp = 1129pc/h/ln

Construct the speed flow curve for 85km/h Find the point
which cuts Vp = 1129pc/h/ln
32 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

V =volume of traffic in the hour of analysis =1900 (given)

PHF =0.90(given)
N =2(given total 4 so 2 per direction)
fHV =0.935(Calculated)
fp =1.00 for most of the drivers are familier with area

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate

vp =

V
PHF N fHV fp

LOS
Example

vp =

1900
0.90 2 0.935 1.00
vp = 1129pc/h/ln

Construct the speed flow curve for 85km/h Find the point
which cuts Vp = 1129pc/h/ln
32 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

V =volume of traffic in the hour of analysis =1900 (given)

PHF =0.90(given)
N =2(given total 4 so 2 per direction)
fHV =0.935(Calculated)
fp =1.00 for most of the drivers are familier with area

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate

vp =

V
PHF N fHV fp

LOS
Example

vp =

1900
0.90 2 0.935 1.00
vp = 1129pc/h/ln

Construct the speed flow curve for 85km/h Find the point
which cuts Vp = 1129pc/h/ln
32 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction

V =volume of traffic in the hour of analysis =1900 (given)

PHF =0.90(given)
N =2(given total 4 so 2 per direction)
fHV =0.935(Calculated)
fp =1.00 for most of the drivers are familier with area

Base level
FFS
Flow Rate

vp =

V
PHF N fHV fp

LOS
Example

vp =

1900
0.90 2 0.935 1.00
vp = 1129pc/h/ln

Construct the speed flow curve for 85km/h Find the point
which cuts Vp = 1129pc/h/ln
32 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu
Introduction
Base level
FFS
Flow Rate
LOS
Example

33 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

From Figure S = 85km/h

D=

Vp
S

Introduction
Base level
FFS

D=

1129
85

Flow Rate
LOS

D = 13.28pc/km/ln

Example

LOS = C
Density 13.28pc/km/ln
Speed = 85km/h

34 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

From Figure S = 85km/h

D=

Vp
S

Introduction
Base level
FFS

D=

1129
85

Flow Rate
LOS

D = 13.28pc/km/ln

Example

LOS = C
Density 13.28pc/km/ln
Speed = 85km/h

34 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

From Figure S = 85km/h

D=

Vp
S

Introduction
Base level
FFS

D=

1129
85

Flow Rate
LOS

D = 13.28pc/km/ln

Example

LOS = C
Density 13.28pc/km/ln
Speed = 85km/h

34 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

From Figure S = 85km/h

D=

Vp
S

Introduction
Base level
FFS

D=

1129
85

Flow Rate
LOS

D = 13.28pc/km/ln

Example

LOS = C
Density 13.28pc/km/ln
Speed = 85km/h

34 / 34

EXAMPLE:SOLUTION
Level of
ServiceMultilane
Highway
Dr. Terrance
M. Rengarasu

From Figure S = 85km/h

D=

Vp
S

Introduction
Base level
FFS

D=

1129
85

Flow Rate
LOS

D = 13.28pc/km/ln

Example

LOS = C
Density 13.28pc/km/ln
Speed = 85km/h

34 / 34