Using Micro-Simulation VISSIM to Study the Effectiveness of Left-Turn Waiting Area Implementation

Numerous attempts have been made to improve the existing intersection systems to maximize capacity and reduce the delay costs and queues. This paper introduces a simulation method to study the effectiveness of a new technique introduced recently in China – the left-turn waiting area. This has an extended left lane that allows the vehicles to wait before the signal turns green. It is reported that this system can significantly improve intersection performance. This paper introduces the different types of left-turn waiting areas which have been widely implemented in China. The method of using micro-simulation VISSIM to study the effectiveness of left-turn waiting area is proposed in this paper, along with some preliminary results of a case study.