Safety Features of Expressways Cresencio M. MONTALBO Jr., PhD Assoc. Prof., SURP Faculty Affiliate, NCTS University of the Philippines
Outline of Presentation Profile of Philippine Expressways Characteristics of Expressways Safety Features Safety Statistics Human-Vehicle-Environment Issues & Concerns
Profile of Philippine Expressways As of March 2002, there are four toll roads being operated in MM with a total length of 161.4 km. 1) North Luzon Expressway (NLE) 2) South Luzon Expressway (SLE) 3) Metro Manila Skyway (MMS) 4) Manila-CaviteToll Expressway (MCTE) 5) STAR Tollway
North Luzon Expressway Sections in Operation: 84 km long expressway from Balintawak to Sta. Ines Year of Opening of Present Section: 1982 Franchise Period: 30 years from 1977 Operator : MNTC
South Luzon Expressway Extends 44 km from Nichols to Calamba Includes an 850-meter long viaduct which crosses over Alabang Year of Opening of Present Section: 1982 Franchise Period: 30 years from 1977 Operator : PNCC
Metro Manila Skyway (MMS) Section in operation: 9.3 km long elevated expressway from Buendia to Bicutan and 13.5 km long rehabilitated SLE section from Magallanes to Alabang Year of Opening Present Section: July 1999 Toll Road Scheme: BTO Franchise Period: 30 years from 1999 Operator: CITRA
Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (MCTE) Section in operation: 6.6 km upgraded expressway from Seaside Drive to Zapote Year of Opening Present Section: July 1998 Toll Road Scheme: BTO Franchise Period: 35 years from 1998 Operator: PEA
STAR Tollway Sto. Tomas Tanauan City Malvar Lipa City 20 kms long Operator: Star Infrastructure Development Corporation
Existing Expressway Network in MM
Characteristics of Expressways (1) High speeds High traffic volumes Divided by a barrier Guardrail Concrete barrier Grassy median Multiple lanes per direction Controlled access
Characteristics of Expressways (2) High speeds Good pavement conditions Vertical and horizontal sight distances Controlled access No roadside friction No intersections Restriction to slow moving or vulnerable modes Minimum speed limit Restriction to some motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.
Characteristics of Expressways (3) High-risk environment Entering Driving on Exiting
Safety Features (1) Rumble strips at the road edge Median barriers Guard rails
Safety Features (2) Crash barrels (e.g. vinyl liquid or sand-filled drums) at decision points Lane assignment Traffic signals (for lane usage) Lane markings Lighting
Road Signs Regulatory signs Warning signs Information signs
Other Expressway Features (1) Entrance facilities Entrance ramp Acceleration lane Merge area Exit facilities Deceleration lane Exit ramp
Problems and Risk Reduction Area Problems Risk Reduction Entrance ramp Accelerat ion lane Merge area Exit lane Picking the wrong ramp Traffic ahead and behind on the ramp Sharp curves on the ramp Visibility problems ahead and to the expressway Amount of traffic in land and on expressway Short acceleration lane Limited space ahead Actions of drivers ahead and behind Heavy traffic Lack of gap to merge Traffic slowing or stopping ahead Visibility problems ahead and to the side Weave lane conflicts Traffic on exit ramp Short deceleration lane Very slow ramp speed Search for the proper entrance Search ahead, behind and to the expressway Prepare to adjust speed for blocked ramp Avoid stopping or backing on ramp Search ahead and for gap on expressway Prepare to adjust speed Pull ahead onto the shoulder if no merge is available Search ahead and to the side Prepare to blend speed with traffic Change lanes smoothly Search ahead and communicate with other driver Search ahead, prepare to slow or stop Search rear, slow down Slow down
Other Expressway Features (2) Ramp meter signals Changeable message signs Traffic radio, television, and telephone Internet www.tollways.net www.pncc.net High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes Highway assistance
Location of Accidents In 2003: 11% 4% 2% Total Number of Reported Accidents: 16,418 8% 39% National Road Expressway Provincial Road City Road Number of Accidents along Expressway: Municipal Road Barangay Road 6515 ~ (40%) 36% Expressway Length approx. 150 km. Unsafe? Or just better data collection here than on other roads?
Expressway Accidents 4500 700 No. of Accidents 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 NLT SLT Skyway No. of M aj or Accidents 600 500 400 300 200 100 NLT SLT Skyway 0 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year Year Source: Traffic Management and Safety Division, PNCC
Expressways Casualties N o. o f In j ured V ictim s 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 NLT SLT Skyway 60 N o o f F a t a l i t i e s 40 20 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 NLT SLT Skyway 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year Year Source: Traffic Management and Safety Division, PNCC
For better comparison: Work on accident rates, not on actual figures/numbers per million entering vehicles on interchanges (MEV) per million vehicle kilometers (MVK) or million vehicle lane-kilometers on long sections
Factors Affecting Road Safety HUMAN Deficiency in one could lead to traffic accidents. VEHICLE ROAD
Issues and Concerns Cost Effectiveness of Safety Features Safety Action Plan of Expressway Operators Measurable objectives Highway improvements, vehicle conditions, IEC, law enforcement, emergency services Safety First
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