Introduction of two-way center turn lane in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Automobiles that enter a minor road from the main road or turn for services create congestions by holding traffic to make a right turn in two-way streets. As a solution, this paper proposes the ‘Center Turn Lane (CTL)’ concept used by some countries allowing the driver to make turns with caution without holding traffic in the lane. This research aims to investigate CTL as a feasible solution to aforesaid problem. A field study was conducted to qualify the magnitude of the issue and an interview survey was conducted among Sri Lankan drivers to gather the opinion of the proposed solution. According to the results, 60% of the respondents were not familiar with CTL. Furthermore, 49% of participants have stated that it is difficult to make right turns without holding traffic due to oncoming vehicles. According to the drivers’ judgment, an average of 37s is needed to make a right turn. While the field study data suggested that drivers spend an average of 25s. Based on the proposed solution motorists will only spend 12.5s to make a right turn in an ideal condition. This paper suggests that implementing a CTL would be an effective method to mitigate traffic congestions in Sri Lanka.