AbstractsTransportation

This project was initiated as a way to explore possible applications for dynamic road markings on highways. During rush hour some of the shoulder lanes are opened for traffic. These lanes are known as rush hour lanes (‘spitsstrook’ in Dutch). Matrix signs with green arrows indicate that the road user is allowed to use the lane that is usually only used in case of emergency. To access this lane road users have to cross the thick solid marking. User research on resting areas next to highways was performed to find out if the experience on rush hour lanes differed from regular highways. Using stickers road users were able to express their experiences. Especially the diagonal line marking that the road user has to cross at the beginning of a rush hour lane causes confusion for many road users. The line communicates that the road user should divert suddenly from the lane he or she is driving on, which is in conflict with the matrix signs that indicate that the road user is allowed to drive on the rush hour lane. A concept was proposed that transforms the road image using dynamic road marking. This road marking allows the road marking to be consistent with the current state of the road. When the rush hour lane is open, it will have the same appearance as a regular right lane. In order to change the road layout between the open and closed states, a transition needs to take place. These opening and closing transitions take place while the road is in use, making the road change while the road user is driving on it. In order to design, test and analyze the dynamic road marking concept, a tool was developed. The proposed design changes gradually over the width of the carriageway. The individual road marking elements either fade or morph into a different marking. The concept was tested with 45 participants who drove in the simulator, and experienced part of the rush hour lane in all four states; closed, opening, open, and closing . On average the experience improved, but changes to the final design were made to improve the closing situation