Head-On Collisions: Appendix 7

Profiles of State and Local Implementation Efforts: Strategy 18.1 A3 (Minnesota Department of Transportation)

Emphasis Area
18.1-Reducing accidents involving head-on collisions

Objective
18.1 A-Keep vehicles from encroaching into opposite lane

Strategy
18.1 A3-Provide wider cross-sections on two-lane roads

Agency and Jurisdiction
Minnesota DOT

Problem(s) Identified
High traffic demand on two-lane roads, but inadequate ROW for building multilane facilities.

Goals and Objectives Established
Increase traffic flow without decreasing safety on high-volume two-lane roads.

Description of Strategy Implemented
The Minnesota "Super Two" concept is aimed at two-lane roads with ADTs of 6,500 vpd or more. The original concept included 14-ft lanes to provide a 4-ft buffer in the center, 10?ft paved shoulders, and a design speed of up to 70 mph. However, since there are problems with 14-ft-wide lanes, centerline rumble strips may be used to mark the buffer area. (They are currently testing the rumble-strip concept in a human factors laboratory.)

Summary of Implementation Effort
Such a design has been in operation for approximately 1 year in one location, without any notable problems.

Summary of Results
No safety or operation problems were noted after 1 year of use in one location.

Contact Person and Information
Ron Erickson, MN DOT, 651-296-3049, ron.erickson@dot.state.mn.us