路桥工程专业英语第四课.docVIP

第四课 Freeway and its Accessory Facilities高速公路及其附属设施 Text: Freeway Design Reading Material: Freeway Accessory Facilities Text Freeway Design Freeway are the highest form of arterials and have full access control. The full control of access is need for prioritizing the need for through traffic over direct access. A freeway’s primary function is to provide mobility, high operating speed, and level of service, while land access is limited. Access connections,where deemed necessary, are provided through grade separated interchanges.The major advantages of access controlled freeways are high capacity of the facility, high operating speeds, efficiency of the facility, and safety to all highway users. The major differences between freeway and other arterials include the following elements: grade separations at cross roads and streets; the grade separated cross road connections between the freeway and crossroad are accomplished through exit and entrance ramps; and full control of access. Expressways can be designed with both freeway and non-freeway design elements. The use of jughandle style interchanges and use of right turn channelization is not considered freeway design, but can be used in expressway design. Urban freeways generally have more travel lanes and carry more traffic than rural freeways. Urban freeways can be eigher depressed, elevated, at ground level, or a combination of the above. Urban freeways usually have a narrower median than rural freeways and tend to have more connections than rural freeways. Rural freeways are generally similar in concept to urban freeways, except that the horizontal and vertical alignments are more conservative in design. This level of design is normally associated with higher design speeds and greater accessibility to right of way. Due to the rural nature, right of way is typically more available and less expensive. This allows for a wider median which improves the safety of the facility. In addition to the increase in safety of a r