The objective of this research project was to develop a methodology for evaluating alternative midblock left-turn treatments on urban and suburban arterials. The methodology had to be applicable to three common midblock left-turn treatments: the raised-curb median, the flush median with two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL) delineation, and the undivided cross section. The methodology developed for this research focuses on the evaluation of midblock street segments on urban and suburban arterials. The basis for NCHRP Report 395.

The objective of this research project was to develop a methodology for evaluating alternative midblock left-turn treatments on urban and suburban arterials. The methodology had to be applicable to three common midblock left-turn treatments: the raised-curb median, the flush median with two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL) delineation, and the undivided cross section. The methodology developed for this research focuses on the evaluation of midblock street segments on urban and suburban arterials. The basis for NCHRP Report 395.

This synthesis report will be of interest to officials and staff of municipal, regional, and statewide transportation agencies responsible for roadway design and traffic control. It will be of special interest to those concerned with intersections and driveways on divided highways where larger vehicles encounter narrow medians. It will also be of interest to other professionals who interact with these agencies to mitigate such problems. This report presents state-of-the-practice information about current median design policies and practices, describes the traffic operational and safety problems encountered in designing for larger vehicles at divided highway intersections, and identifies alternative improvement techniques that can be used in new construction or reconstruction projects to avoid introducing traffic operational and safety problems. This TRB report focuses on 10 alternative cross sections widely used on arterial highways in urban, suburban, and rural environment.

"TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 524: Safety of U-Turns at Unsignalized Median Openings includes recommended guidelines for locating and designing unsignalized median openings, and a methodology for comparing the relative safety performance of different designs"--Publisher's description.