KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CE 391 TRAFFIC ENGINEERING LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT

GROUP 40

NAME INDEX NUMBER

ANTWI, Laud Agyei 6928521

BAIDEN-BOAFO, Kwadwo 6931821

RICHARDSON, Ekua Dankwa 6947021

Karis

ASIEDU, Emmanuel 6930221

Arkorful, Sampson 6929321

QUESTION 1

STEP 1: Determining the FFS,

FFS= BFFS- fWL-fLC- 3.22TRD0.84

FFS= Estimated free flow speed, mi/h

BFFS= Base (Ideal) FFS for basic freeway segments, mi/h = 75.4 mi/h

fWL= Adjustment for lane width, mi/h = 0

fLC= Adjustment for right-side lateral clearance, mi/h = 0.6 (from table 9)

TRD = 0.0

FFS= 75.4- 0-0.6- 3.22(0)0.84

FFS = 74.8 mi/h

Because 71.58 mi/h falls between ≥ 72.5 𝑚𝑖/ℎ < 77.5 𝑚𝑖/ℎ we use 75 mi/h

STEP 2: Determining Adjust Demand Volume,

𝑉
Vp = 𝑃𝐻𝐹∗𝑁∗𝑓𝐻𝑉∗𝑓𝑝

Vp = Demand flow rate under equivalent base conditions, pc/h/ln

D= Demand volume, veh/h = 3000 veh/h

PHF = peak hour factor = 0.95

fHV= Adjustment factor for presence of heavy vehicles in traffic stream.

fp =Adjustment factor for unfamiliar driver proportion = 1 (commuter drivers)

STEP 3: Heavy Vehicle Adjustment factor

1
FHV=1:𝑃𝑇(𝐸𝑇;1):𝑃𝑅(𝐸𝑅;1)

Ignoring RVS

1
FHV=1:𝑃𝑇(𝐸𝑇;1)

fHV = Heavy vehicle adjustment factor

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PT= Proportion of trucks and buses in traffic stream = 12% (0.12)

PR= Proportion of recreational vehicles (RVs) in traffic stream

ET= Passenger car equivalent (PCE) of one truck or bus in traffic stream = 2.8(from table 9.4)

ER= PCE of one RV in traffic stream

1
fHV=1:0.12(2.8;1) = 0.822

Therefore, the Demand flow rate is,

3000
Vp = = 1920pc/hr/ln
0.95∗2∗0.822∗1

At FFS of 75 mi/h, the capacity is 2400 pc/hr/ln (Table 4). Since the vp of 1920 mi/hr is less than the
capacity, we determine the actual LOS.

STEP 4: Estimating speed and density,

A unique feature of the FFS curve (Figure 2) is the mean speed is equal to the FFS for low flow rates
until the flow rate reaches the breakpoint. For 75 mi/hr, the mean speed is equal to the FFS when the
flow rate is ≤ 1000 pc/hr/ln (Table 3). Since the flow rate of 1768.34 pc/hr/ln exceeds the breakpoint
flow rate of 1000 pc/hr/ln, the mean speed of the traffic stream must be determined using the relevant
equation in Table 3. For FFS of 75 mi/hr, Equation 1a is used for calculating the mean speed, as
follows,

S = 75− 0.00001107(vp – 1000)2

S = 75 – 0.00001107(1920-1000)2

S = 65.63mi/hr

Density is calculated as follows:

𝑣𝑝 1920
D= 𝑆
= 65.63 = 29.25 pc/mi/ln

S= Mean speed

Based on table 6a, the facility operates on LOS D. Therefore 2 lanes per direction are not adequate to
get the desire LOS (LOS B).

Repeating step 2 through step 4

Trying 6 lanes (3 lanes per direction)

3000
Vp = 0.95∗3∗0.822∗1 = 1281 pc/hr/ln

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FFS= 75.4- 0-0.6- 3.22(0)0.84

FFS = 74.8 mi/h

This is the same as before.

At FFS of 75 mi/hr, the capacity is 2400 pc/hr/ln (Table 4). Since the demand flow rate (vp) of 1281
pc/hr/ln is less than the capacity, determine the actual LOS.

For FFS of 75 mi/hr, the mean traffic stream speed is equal to the FFS when the flow rate ≤ 1000
pc/hr/ln (Table 3). Since the flow rate of 1281 pc/hr/ln exceeds the breakpoint flow rate of 1000
pc/hr/ln, the mean speed of the traffic stream must be determined using the relevant equation in Table
3.

For FFS of 70 mi/hr, Equation 1b is used for calculating the mean speed, as follows:

S = 75 − 0.00001107(vp – 1000)2

S = 75 – 0.00001107(1281-1000)2

S = 74.13 mi/hr

Density is calculated as follows:

𝑣𝑝 1281
D= = = 17.28 pc/mi/ln
𝑆 74.13

Based on Table 6a, this density corresponds to LOS B. The desired LOS is B; therefore, 3 lanes per
direction are adequate.

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QUESTION 2

Step 1. Compute the Value of Free-Flow Speed

FFS = BFFS -fLw - fTLC - fm -fA

fLw = 1.9

TLC = LCL +LCR

=6+4

= 10 ft

fTLC = 0.4

fm = 0(because of TWLTL)

By interpolation,fA = 3 mi/h

FFS = 55 - 1.9 - 0.4 - 0 - 3

= 49.7mi/h

= 50mi/h

Compute the value of flow rate,vp , pc/h/ln

vp = V/(PHF* N * fHV * fp)

fHV = 1/1+PT (ET -1) + PR (ER -1)

PT = 0

ET =0

PR =0

ER =0

fHV =1

fp = 1

vp = 3600/(0.94 * 3)

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 = 1276.5957pc/h/ln

Compute density

D =vp/S

= 1276.5957/50

= 25.5319

The facility operates at LOS C

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QUESTION 3

Base Free Flow Speed=70 mi/hr

Demand Volume, V=6,750 veh/hr

Number of lanes per direction, N=4

Lane width=11ft

Right-side lateral clearance, LCR=4ft

Total Ramp Density, TRD=1.2

Peak Hour Factor=0.94

Proportion of Heavy Vehicles, TP=8% (0.08)

Terrain= Rolling Terrain

Mean Speed, S=68 mi/hr

1. The free flow speed is calculated as:

𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 𝐵𝐹𝐹𝑆 − 𝐿𝑊 − 𝐿𝐶𝐿 − 3.22𝑇𝑅𝐷0.84

𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 70 − 1.9 − 0.4 − 3.22(1.2)0.84

𝑭𝑭𝑺 = 𝟔𝟑. 𝟗𝟓 𝒎𝒊/𝒉

Since the FFS is with the range, ≥62.5 mi/h < 67.5 mi/h; the FFS equivalence is 65 mi/h

2. The demand flow rate is computed as:

𝑉
𝑉𝑃 = 𝑃𝐻𝐹∗ 𝑁∗ 𝑓
𝐻𝑉 ∗ 𝑓𝑃

1
𝑓𝐻𝑉 = 1:𝑃 (𝐸 ;1):𝑃
𝑇 𝑇 𝑅 (𝐸𝑅 ;1)

1
𝑓𝐻𝑉 =
1:0,08(2.5;1):0(2;1)

𝑓𝐻𝑉 = 0.893
6750
𝑉𝑃 = 0.94(4)(0.893)(1)

𝑽𝑷 = 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟎. 𝟑𝟐 pc/hr/ln

The demand flow rate calculated is 2010.32 mi/h and this demand flow rate is greater than the
flow rate at breaking point for a FFS of 65 mi/h.

At FFS of 65mi/hr, the capacity is 2350 pc/hr/ln. since the demand flow rate(V P) of 2010.32
pc/hr/ln is less than the capacity, we determine the LOS

3. Therefore, an appropriate equation, 1c is used to calculate the mean speed, S:

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 𝑆 = 65 − 0.00001418(𝑉𝑃 − 1400)2

𝑆 = 65 − 0.00001418(2010.32 − 1400)2

𝑺 = 𝟓𝟗. 𝟕𝟐 𝒎𝒊/𝒉

4. The Density can therefore be computed as;

𝑉𝑃
𝐷= 𝑆

𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟎.𝟑𝟐
𝑫= 𝟓𝟏.𝟕𝟐
= 𝟑𝟖. 𝟖𝟕 pc/mi/ln

From the table, the freeway operates at LOS E

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QUESTION 4

Base Free Flow Speed=70 mi/hr

Demand Volume, V=5,725 veh/hr

Number of lanes per direction, N=?

Lane width=12ft

Right-side lateral clearance, LCR=4ft

Peak Hour Factor=0.96

Proportion of Heavy Vehicles, TP=8% (0.08)

Terrain= Rolling Terrain

1. Assuming 3 lanes per direction will give the desired LOS the demand flow rate is
computed as:
𝑉
𝑉𝑃 = 𝑃𝐻𝐹∗ 𝑁∗ 𝑓
𝐻𝑉 ∗ 𝑓𝑃

1
𝑓𝐻𝑉 = 1:𝑃 (𝐸 ;1):𝑃
𝑇 𝑇 𝑅 (𝐸𝑅 ;1)

1
𝑓𝐻𝑉 = 1:0,08(2.5;1):0(2;1)

𝑓𝐻𝑉 = 0.893
5725
𝑉𝑃 = 0.96(3)(0.893)(1)

𝑽𝑷 = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟔. 𝟎𝟑 pc/hr/ln

2. The free flow speed is calculated as:

𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 𝐵𝐹𝐹𝑆 − 𝐿𝑊 − 𝐿𝐶𝐿 − 3.22𝑇𝑅𝐷0.84

𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 70 − 0 − 0.8 − 3.22(1.34)0.84

𝑭𝑭𝑺 = 𝟔𝟓. 𝟎𝟖 𝒎𝒊/𝒉

Since the FFS is with the range, ≥62.5 mi/h < 67.5 mi/h; the FFS equivalence is 65 mi/h

The demand flow rate calculated is 2226.03 mi/h and this demand flow rate is greater than the
flow rate at breaking point for a FFS of 65 mi/h.

LOS F check
At FFS of 65mi/hr, the capacity is 2350 pc/hr/ln. since the demand flow rate(V P) of
2226.03pc/hr/ln is less than the capacity, we determine the LOS

3. Therefore, an appropriate equation, 1c is used to calculate the mean speed, S:

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 𝑆 = 65 − 0.00001418(𝑉𝑃 − 1400)2

𝑆 = 65 − 0.00001418(2226.03 − 1400)2

𝑺 = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟑𝟐 𝒎𝒊/𝒉

4. The Density can therefore be computed as;

𝑉𝑃
𝐷= 𝑆

𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟔.𝟎𝟑
𝑫= 𝟓𝟓.𝟑𝟐
= 𝟒𝟎. 𝟐𝟒 pc/mi/ln

From the table, the freeway operates at LOS E and this does not meet the required LOS.
Therefore, the number of lanes are increased and the steps repeated.

1a. Assuming 4 lanes per direction, the demand flow rate is computed as:

𝑉
𝑉𝑃 =
𝑃𝐻𝐹∗ 𝑁∗ 𝑓𝐻𝑉 ∗ 𝑓𝑃

1
𝑓𝐻𝑉 = 1:𝑃
𝑇 (𝐸𝑇 ;1):𝑃𝑅 (𝐸𝑅 ;1)

1
𝑓𝐻𝑉 = 1:0,08(2.5;1):0(2;1)

𝑓𝐻𝑉 = 0.893
5725
𝑉𝑃 = 0.96(4)(0.893)(1)

𝑽𝑷 = 𝟏𝟔𝟔𝟗. 𝟓𝟐 pc/hr/ln

2a. The free flow speed is calculated as:

𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 𝐵𝐹𝐹𝑆 − 𝐿𝑊 − 𝐿𝐶𝐿 − 3.22𝑇𝑅𝐷0.84

𝐹𝐹𝑆 = 70 − 0 − 0.8 − 3.22(1.34)0.84

𝑭𝑭𝑺 = 𝟔𝟓. 𝟎𝟖 𝒎𝒊/𝒉

Since the FFS is with the range, ≥62.5 mi/h < 67.5 mi/h; the FFS equivalence is 65 mi/h

The demand flow rate calculated is 1669.52 mi/h and this demand flow rate is greater than the
flow rate at breaking point for a FFS of 65 mi/h.

LOS F check
At FFS of 65mi/hr, the capacity is 2350 pc/hr/ln. since the demand flow rate(V P) of
1669.52pc/hr/ln is less than the capacity, we determine the LOS

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3a. Therefore, an appropriate equation, 1c is used to calculate the mean speed, S:

𝑆 = 65 − 0.00001418(𝑉𝑃 − 1400)2

𝑆 = 65 − 0.00001418(1669.52 − 1400)2

𝑺 = 𝟔𝟑. 𝟗𝟕 𝒎𝒊/𝒉

The Density can therefore be computed as;

𝑉𝑃
𝐷=
𝑆

𝟏𝟔𝟔𝟗.𝟓𝟐
𝑫= 𝟔𝟑.𝟗𝟕
= 𝟐𝟔. 𝟏𝟎 pc/mi/ln

From the table, the freeway operates at LOS D and this meets the required LOS. Therefore, 4
12-ft lanes per direction is required to achieve LOS D on the freeway.

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QUESTION 5

AADT = 82000veh/hr LW = 10ft

PT = 0.25 Clearance = 3ft on both sides

PHF = 0.9 FFS = 65mi/hr

K = 0.55 D = 0.1

DDHV = AADT× 𝐊 × 𝐃

DDHV = 8200(0.55) (0.1) = 4510veh/hr

FFS = BFFS – fLW – fTLC – fM – fA

The calculated FFS is between 42.5mi/hr and 47.5mi/hr and hence the FFS is rounded off to 45mi/hr

𝑉
Vp =
𝑁×𝑃𝐻𝐹×fHV ×fP

Assuming number of lanes to be 3; N = 3

fp = 1 (assuming drivers are familiar with the road)

1
fHV =
1: 𝑃𝑇(𝐸𝑇;1):𝑃𝑅(𝐸𝑅;1)

PR = 0 ET = 2.0(Level terrain)

1
fHV = = 0.8
1: 0.25(2;1)

4510
vp = = 2088pc/hr/ln
3×0.9×0.8 ×1

At FFS of 65mi/hr, the capacity is 2350pc/hr/ln. Since the demand flow rate is less than the capacity,
the freeway does not operate at LOS F and hence the actual LOS has to be found.

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At FFS of 65mi/hr, the flow speed at break point is 1400pc/hr/ln. The mean traffic stream is equal to
the FFS if the demand flow rate is less than or equal to the flow speed at break point. Hence for this
case, since vp > 1400pc/hr/ln, the mean speed S, is derived from the equation below:

S = 65 – 0.00001418(vp – 1400)2

S = 65 – 0.00001418(2088 – 1400)2

S = 58.29mi/hr

Density is calculated below:

𝑉𝑝
D=
𝑢

2088
D= = 35.82pc/mi/ln
58.29

The above density corresponds to LOS D. Therefore, providing three lanes for this freeway would
meet the expected feature

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QUESTION 6

DDHV = 2300veh/hr LW = 10ft

PT = 0.08 Clearance = 3ft on both sides

PHF = 0.9 BFFS = 60mi/hr

FFS = BFFS – fLW – fTLC – fM – fA

fLW = 6.6 (for lane width of 10ft)

Total Lateral Clearance = 3+3 = 6ft

fTLC = 1.3

fM = 0.0

fA = 5 (for access points less than 20 access points/mile)

FFS = 60 – 6.6 – 1.3 – 0 – 5 = 47.1mi/hr

The calculated FFS is between 42.5mi/hr and 47.5mi/hr and hence the FFS is rounded off to 45mi/hr

DDHV is the same as peak hour traffic volume(V)

𝑉
Vp =
𝑁×𝑃𝐻𝐹×fHV ×fP

Assuming number of lanes to be 3; N = 3

fp = 1 (assuming drivers are familiar with the road)

1
fHV =
1: 𝑃𝑇(𝐸𝑇;1):𝑃𝑅(𝐸𝑅;1)

PR = 0 ET = 2.0(Level terrain)

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 1
fHV = = 0.926
1: 0.08(2;1)

2300
vp = = 920pc/hr/ln
3×0.9×0.926 ×1

At FFS of 45mi/hr, the capacity is 1900pc/hr/ln. Since the demand flow rate is less than the capacity,
the actual LOS has to be found.

At FFS of 45mi/hr, the flow speed at break point is 1400pc/hr/ln. the mean traffic stream is equal to
the FFS if the demand flow rate is less than or equal to the flow speed at break point. Hence for this
case, since vp < 1400pc/hr/ln, the mean speed S, is equal to 45mi/hr

Density is calculated below:

𝑉𝑝
D=
𝑢

920
D= = 20.44pc/mi/ln
45

The above density corresponds to LOS C. Therefore, providing three lanes for this multi-highway
would meet the expected features.

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QUESTION 7

DDHV (V) of 1800 veh/h

10% trucks (pT = 0.1)

PHF 0f 0.90

Lane width 11 ft (Flw = 1.9)

No lateral clearance (fTLC = 0)

Undivided highway (fm = 1.6)

20 access points/mi (fA = 5.0)

50mi/h posted speed limit

Rolling terrain (ET = 2.5)

1. Determine FFS and select FFS curve

FFS = BFFS − fs − fTLC − fm − fA

FFS = 55 − 1.9 − 0 − 1.6 − 5.0

FFS = 46.5 mi/h

Therefore, use FFS of 45 mi/h as standard.

2. Adjust demand volume

1
FHV =
1 + pT (ET − 1)

1
FHV = = 0.87
1 + 0.1(2.5 − 1)

V
vp =
PHF × N × FHV × Fp

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 1800
FHV = = 1149 pc/ h⁄ln
0.9 × 2 × 0.87 × 1

Assumed number of lanes (N) is 2

3. Check for LOS F

At FFS of 45 mi/h, the capacity is 1900 pc/h/ln. Since the demand flow rate (vp ) of 1149 pc/h/ln is
less than the capacity, determine the actual level of service.

4. Estimate speed and Density

The mean speed of the traffic stream is equal to the FFS for low flow rates until the flow rate reaches
the checkpoint of 1400 pc/h/ln. Since the flow rate of 1149 pc/h/n is less than the breakpoint of 1400
pc/h/ln, the mean speed of the traffic stream is equal to the FFS.

Density is calculated as follows:

vp 1149
D= = = 25.53 pc/ h⁄ln
S 45

5. Determine LOS
The density calculated for corresponds to LOS C. The desired LOS is C; therefore, 2 lanes per
direction are adequate.

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 CE 391 TRAFFIC ENGINERING LABORATORY

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 21TH MARCH, 2024

VENUE: PB tent

TIME: 3:30 PM

Present:

 ANTWI Laud Agyei ………………………. 6928521

 Baiden-Boafo, Kwadwo……………………6938121
 Richardson Ekua Dankwa Karis……………6947021
 Arkorful Sampson……………………………6929321
 Asiedu Emmanuel…………………………..6930221

ITEM PROCEEDINGS ACTION

1.0 OPENING

1.1 The meeting was called to order at 3:30 P.M. by the group
leader, with an opening prayer

1.2 All members who were not around at the start time were Members wrote their names, index
reminded about the meeting via phone call and attendance was numbers and signed to indicate their
duly taken. presence for the meeting

1.3 Laud Antwi briefed members about the agenda for the day’s
meeting which was to discuss the assignment given

1.4 All members were given parts to work on the results were
discussed

1.7 Members asked questions concerning areas they didn’t Laud Antwi and other several
understand members shared Ideas about the
questions asked

1.8 With no further questions , Richardson Karis moved for the

closure of the meeting and the meeting was brought to a close
at 5:16 PM

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