Page 84 - Highway Engineering Handbook Building and Rehabilitating the Infrastructure

CHAPTER 2

HIGHWAY LOCATION,
DESIGN, AND TRAFFIC

Larry J. Shannon, P.E.
Highway Technical Manager
ms Consultants
Columbus, Ohio

This chapter begins with a description of the overall transportation development
process, and then presents comprehensive information on the various elements of high-
way location and design. Included is the determination of horizontal and vertical align-
ment, with attention to obtaining proper sight distance and superelevation. The design
of roadway cross sections, intersections, ramps, and service roads is addressed. Traffic
aspects include an introduction to intelligent vehicle highway systems and the use of
high-occupancy vehicle lanes. A presentation on preparation of highway construction
plans and organizing CADD drawings is also provided. A list of references, which are
noted in the text, concludes the chapter. Some design issues related to roadside safety
are also discussed in Chap. 6.

2.1 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS

2.1.1 Statewide Systems Planning
The beginnings of any roadway project involving government money are found in a
statewide transportation planning program. The state transportation department devel-
ops a set of goals and objectives which take into account social, economic, environ-
mental, and developmental goals of other state, federal, and local agencies. Based on
these goals and objectives, the department identifies transportation improvement
needs throughout the state. The approach is from a multimodal standpoint; that is, not
just highways are considered, but all forms of transportation, including public trans-
portation, railroads, water, aviation, bikeways, and pedestrian ways (Ref. 6).

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