CE5315 Transportation Engineering

Dr. Terrance M. Rengarasu

4 INTRODUCTION TO CONFLICTS AND TRAFFIC CONTROL

DEVICES
4.1 Traffic Conflicts
Intersections are an important part of a road network. Intersections allow for vehicles to
enter or exit a road. However intersections also make way for traffic conflicts. A traffic
conflict occurs when two traffic flows meet or use the same place. Traffic conflict studies
are very important step in an intersection design.
The movement of one vehicle can conflict with the movement of other vehicle in the
same traffic stream or in the cross stream or in the opposing stream, and /or with
pedestrians in crosswalks.
4.1.1 Types of traffic conflicts
There are three types of traffic conflicts. They are shown below.
.
1.

Crossing

2.

Diverging

3.

Merging

Case 1: Both Streets have two lanes, with one-way

8 Points

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Figure 4.1 Traffic conflicts at an intersection with two, two-lane one way, roads

CE5315 Transportation Engineering

Dr. Terrance M. Rengarasu

Case 2: One Street both direction single lane, and other lane one-way traffic on two
lanes
15 Points

Figure 4.2 1 Traffic conflicts at an intersection with two-lane one way road and two-lane two way road

Case 3: Both Streets are two ways

- Points

Figure 4.3 Traffic conflicts at an intersection made by two roads with two way traffic

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CE5315 Transportation Engineering

Dr. Terrance M. Rengarasu

Case 4: Both Streets are two ways with a rotary

- Points

Figure 4.4 Traffic conflicts at an intersection made by two roads with two way traffic and a rotary in the middle

4.1.2 Other types of traffic conflicts

In addition to the crossing, diverging and merging there are three types of traffic
conflicts. They are traffic pedestrian, weaving and stopping conflicts.

traffic pedestrian
.

Weaving

Stopping

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CE5315 Transportation Engineering

Dr. Terrance M. Rengarasu

4.2 Levels of Traffic Control

Depending on the traffic volume and the traffic conflicts traffic control can be varied.
With respect to the level of control applied traffic control can be grouped into three.
They are;
1. Passive control
2. Semi control
3. Active control.
4.2.1 Passive control
Passive traffic control is applied to an intersection or a road section with small traffic
volume. Here the driver is not controlled or restricted however they are requested to
follow the basic rules of the roads. Traffic signs and road marking are used in the
passively controlled road or intersection.
4.2.2 Semi control
In a semi controlled section of a road in addition to the traffic signs and the road
markings drivers are guided using channelization and traffic rotaries etc.
4.2.3 Active control
Here drivers are controlled to a great extent they can not move freely. Vehicles have to
follow a predefined route. Signalized intersections and grade separated intersection are
two examples of active traffic control.

4.3 Traffic Control Devices

Traffic control device is the medium used to convey messages from road administrator
to the road user. Unlike pipes or for certain extent rails, the road users can not be
controlled by the road i.e. drivers have freedom of movement. Hence traffic control
devices are used to regulate, warn and guide road users. Traffic signs, traffic signals,
and pavement makings are some of the main traffic control devices. Traffic control
devices are placed or erected with the approval of a traffic authority having the
necessary jurisdiction. In Sri Lanka RDA, traffic Police and local authorities have the
jurisdiction to place road signs.
4.3.1 Requirements of traffic control devices
1. Traffic control device must full fill a need: Each device must have a specific
purpose for the safe and efficient operation of traffic flow. The redundant devices
should not be used.
2. Traffic control device should command attention from the road users: When
designing and erecting the traffic control devices attention should be given to the
visibility of the sign. The sign should be placed in such a way that it requires minimal
effort from the driver.
3. Traffic control device should convey a clear, simple message: Clarity and
simplicity of message is essential for the driver to properly understand the meaning
in short time. The use of color, shape and legend as codes becomes important in
this regard.
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CE5315 Transportation Engineering

Dr. Terrance M. Rengarasu

4. Traffic control device should be able to get the respect of the road users:
Overuse, misuse and confusing messages of devices offend the drivers to ignore
them.
5. Traffic control device should provide adequate time for proper response from
the road users: The sign boards should be placed at a distance such that the driver
could see it and gets sufficient time to respond to the situation.
4.3.2 Communication tools
Traffic control devices should have number of predefined legends. A number of
mechanisms are used by the traffic engineer to communicate with the road user. These
mechanisms recognize certain human limitations, particularly eyesight. Messages are
conveyed through the following elements.
1. Color: It is the first and most easily noticed characteristics of a device. Usages of
different colors for different signs are important. The most commonly used colors are
red, green, yellow, black, blue, and brown. These are used to code certain devices
and to reinforce specific messages. Consistent use of colors helps the drivers to
identify the presence of sign board ahead.
2. Shape: It is the second element discerned by the driver next to the color of the
device. The categories of shapes normally used are circular, triangular, rectangular,
and diamond shape. Two exceptional shapes used in traffic signs are octagonal
shape for STOP sign and use of inverted triangle for GIVE WAY (YIELD) sign.
3. Legend: For the easy understanding by the driver, the legend should be short,
simple and specific so that it does not divert the attention of the driver. Symbols are
normally used as legends so that even a person unable to read the language will be
able to understand that.
4. Pattern: It is normally used in the application of road markings, complementing
traffic signs. Generally solid, double solid and dotted lines are used. Each pattern
conveys different type of meaning. The frequent and consistent use of pattern to
convey information is recommended so that the drivers get accustomed to the
different types of markings and can instantly recognize them.
The effective usage of the traffic control devices is ensured by the followings:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Design of devices size, colors, and shape.

Placement of devices within the vision of road user and permit time to
response.
Maintenance of devices device must be clean, readable, and free from
obstruction.
Uniformity design, application, and location.

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CE5315 Transportation Engineering

Dr. Terrance M. Rengarasu

4.3.3 Types of traffic control devices

With respect to the intended function, traffic control devices can be categorized in to
three. They are regulatory devices, warning devices, guiding devices.
1)

Regulatory devices
These give notice of traffic laws or regulations on a given place or on a given
roadway segment.
Disregard of such devices is punishable as an infraction, violation or offense.
E.g. Stop, no turning, do not enter, no parking, one-way street, etc.

2)

Warning devices
These call attention of the road user about the conditions on or adjacent to the
roadway, those are potentially hazardous to traffic operations.
E.g. Road narrow, Divided highway ends, Slippery when wet, Rail road crossing,
etc.

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3)

Dr. Terrance M. Rengarasu

Guiding devices
These provide directions and information to the road user regarding route
designations (name), distances, destinations point of interest, and other
geographical or cultural information.
E.g. Airport 20km, Galle 117km, Bank turn right at the main entrance, etc.

Distance indicator to Mt. Striped

Distance along A3 road

Figure 4.5 Examples of guiding traffic control devices used in Sri Lanka

With respect to the duration of use, the traffic control device can be categorized into
two; permanent and temporary.
1. Permanent road control devices
Permanent road control devices are used for a considerable length of time.
2. Temporary traffic control devices
Temporary traffic control devices are used when the road is under construction or
any other emergency.

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