Screening Regional Express Highways for Possible Preferential Lane Implementation

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Posted 12/12

This study addresses traffic congestion on regional express highways. The few high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes that are located in the Boston region have been effective in relieving congestion in parts of the express highway system; this study evaluated all of the express highways in eastern Massachusetts to identify additional locations where an HOV lane facility would relieve congestion for general traffic while offering a premium level of service to users of the HOV lane. Because lane use eligibility criteria other than vehicle occupancy were considered in this study, the more general term “preferential lane” was used instead of “HOV lane.” The study concluded that most regional express highways are unsuitable for preferential lane implementation, and further study is recommended for the few that are suitable.

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