Abstract
PURPOSES : The lane width of the domestic highway is 3.5 ~ 3.6m and it has been designed nationwide. However, the distribution of the average vehicle widths, rearview mirror widths and lateral wheel paths by region appear different. Then, lane spare widths may differ by region followingly. Thus, the flexible design of freeway lane widths is required. METHODS : The methodologies of this paper are as follows. First, vehicle widths rearview mirror widths lateral wheel paths of vehicles driven four national expressways were measured. Second, lane spare widths by vehicle widths were calculated. Third, lane spare widths reflecting rearview mirror widths were calculated by using interval estimation. Additionally, lane spare widths reflecting vehicles lateral wheel paths were calculated. RESULTS : The results of this paper are as follows. First, lane spare widths by vehicle widths ranges 0.83 to 0.95m. Second, lane spare widths reflecting rearview mirror widths ranges 0.518 to 0.747m at the confidence interval 95%. Third, lane spare widths reflecting vehicles' lateral wheel paths ranges -0.022 to 0.322m at the curved sections and the confidence interval 95%. CONCLUSIONS : It may be concluded that the present lane spare widths are relatively narrow at the curved section. Thus, there is a need to consider expanded lane widths at the curved sections. Additionally, there is a need to consider flexible design of lane widths by various conditions.