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 Picking the wrong ramp Search for the proper entrance ramp Traffic ahead and behind on the ramp Search ahead, behind and to the Sharp curves on the ramp expressway Visibility problems ahead and to the expressway Prepare to adjust speed for blocked ramp Avoid stopping or backing on ramp Accelerat Amount of traffic in land and on expressway Search ahead and for gap on expressway ion lane Short acceleration lane Prepare to adjust speed Limited space ahead Pull ahead onto the shoulder if no merge Actions of drivers ahead and behind is available Merge Heavy traffic Search ahead and to the side area Lack of gap to merge Prepare to blend speed with traffic Traffic slowing or stopping ahead Change lanes smoothly Visibility problems ahead and to the side Exit lane Weave lane conflicts Search ahead and communicate with Traffic on exit ramp other driver Short deceleration lane Search ahead, prepare to slow or stop Very slow ramp speed 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: 4% 2% Total Number of Reported Accidents: 11% 16,418 National Road 39% Expressway 8% Number of Accidents along Provincial Road City Road Expressway: Municipal Road 6515 ~ (40%) Barangay Road Expressway Length –approx. 150 km. 36% Unsafe? Or just better data collection here than on other roads? Expressway Accidents 4500 700 4000 600 3500 500 3000 NLT NLT 2500 400 SLT SLT or Accidents or 2000 j 300 Skyway Skyway 1500 200 No. of Accidents of No. 1000 100 500 Ma of No. 0 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2000 2001 2002 2003 Year Year Source: Traffic Management and Safety Division, PNCC Expressways Casualties 1800 60 1600 1400 NLT 1200 40 NLT 1000 SLT SLT ured Victim s 800 j 20 Skyway Skyway 600 400 N0 o o f F a ta s litie N o . oIn f 200 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 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 Î per million entering vehicles on interchanges (MEV) Î per million vehicle kilometers (MVK) or million vehicle lane-kilometers on long sections Factors Affecting Road Safety Deficiency in HUMAN 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 Life is a Journey….