Alternate Interchange Signing Study for Indiana Highways

US Transportation Collectionhttps://doi.org/10.5703/12882843174392021PDFTech ReportChen, StanleyChen, YaobinTian, RenranLi, LingxiLiu, DonglinZhou, JueShen, DanPurdue University. Joint Transportation Research ProgramIndiana Department of TransportationUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway AdministrationPurdue University. Joint Transportation Research ProgramUnited StatesIndianaAlternatives analysisAutomatic data collection systemsDesignDriversInterchanges and intersectionsRecommendationsSurveysTraffic signsSignsFHWA/IN/JTRP-2021/33SPR-4545Final ReportThe main objectives of this research were to (1) understand signing issues from the perspective of drivers and (2) develop recommendations for improving interchange signing in Indiana to aid driver understanding and increase the safety and efficiency of highway traffic operations. An online survey with specific questions was designed and distributed through email, social media, online newspapers, and a survey company with the goal of better understanding driver thinking when approaching decision-making areas on the interstate. The analysis of the survey results revealed the following. \u2022Drivers usually do not know the interchange types as they approach an interchange on the freeway. \u2022Drivers are most interested in which lanes they should be in when approaching an interchange, even in advance of typical signing locations. \u2022Drivers do not like signs that require cognitive work since it will delay their driving decision by creating uncertainty. \u2022Different drivers need different types of information from signs, such as cardinal direction, destination name, road name, and lane assignments. Therefore, a perfect sign for one driver may be confusing or information overload for another driver. \u2022In some instances, a driver who is familiar with the area is confused by the signs because the sign information contradicts the driver\u2019s knowledge.127