A Study on Roundabout Signal Metering Operation by Considering Entry Lane`s Traffic Volume

Under unsaturated capacity conditions with balanced approach flows, roundabout gives less delay and queue length than existing signalized intersections; however, over capacity conditions with unbalanced approach flows(flow above 450 pcu/h/lane), roundabouts efficiency drops due to the short gap between entering vehicles and circulating vehicles. This study provides a roundabout Signal Metering transfer standard and operation method. In this study, a four-way-approach with one-lane roundabout is selected to compare the Signal Metering performance for the case of unbalanced flow conditions. The performance is evaluated by using SIDRA software in terms of average delay and queue length. The result shows that the Signal Metering provides substantial improvements for the case of total approach flow is 1,800~2,000 pcu/h in which the main approach flow ratio is 60~70% gives 30~40% less delay and 30~60% less queue length than normal roundabout operation. Also, it is approved that operational performance saving can be achieved when the Metered Approach is selected adjoining to the main approach in pair.