PURPOSES : This study prioritizes the potential technology for establishing an efficient traffic control in the ramp junction of urban deep underground tunnels in the future. We considered most of the applicable technologies that ensure traffic safety at the on-off ramp junction. METHODS : This study proposes a methodology to prioritize the applicable technology for establishing efficient traffic control in the ramp junction of an urban deep underground tunnel using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP). First, an AHP structure was developed. Second, an individual survey was conducted to collect the opinions of road and transportation experts. Based on the survey results, weights were estimated depending on the relevant criteria of the developed structure. The estimated weights were verified using the consistency index (CI) and consistency ratio (CR). In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed to confirm the reliability of the estimated weights. Finally, the potential technology for an efficient traffic control in the ramp junction of an urban deep underground tunnel was prioritized. RESULTS : In the first level of hierarchy, traffic demand control had the highest priority, and ramp metering, section speed control, and shoulder lane control were selected in the second level of hierarchy. CONCLUSIONS : These results implied that prioritizing would be useful in establishing traffic operation strategies for traffic safety when constructing and opening deep underground tunnels in urban areas in the future.

Assessment of noise exposed population is to check the environment noise level and social influence in order to reduce the risks such as annoyance and disturbance that are generated by environmental noise. Also, this method suggests the preferential noise abatement policy and action plan by accurately finding the area that the noise causes harmful effect to human health. Recently, a noise map, which can predict noise in comprehensive area, is used for the assessment of noise exposed population, breaking from the methods using existing measures. In particular, countermeasure for noise can be considered more effectively by using assessment methods of noise exposed population for specific noise level, area and building types which are the main input factors in noise maps. In this study, we propose noise prediction at traffic noise due to noise map.

PURPOSES : For vehicle-alone accidents with a high mortality rate, it is necessary to analyze the factors influencing the severity of roadside fixed-object traffic accidents. METHODS : A total of 313 roadside fixed obstacle traffic accidents, variables related to fixed obstacles, and variables related to road geometry were collected. The estimation model was constructed with data collected using an ordinal probit regression model. RESULTS : Piers, vertical slopes, and distances between roads and objects were the primary causes of increased accident severity. CONCLUSIONS : Countermeasures, such as object removal, relocation, clear zones, frangibles, breakaway poles, etc., are required for accident-prone or dangerous points.

PURPOSES : This study analyzed explanatory variables, such as dangerous driving behaviors, in a negative binomial regression model, using the Digital Tachograph data of commercial vehicles, to assess the factors associated with freeway accidents. METHODS : Fixed parameter and random parameter negative binomial regression models were constructed using freeway accident data of commercial vehicles from January 2007 to July 2018 on the Gyeongbu Expressway from West Ulsan Interchange to Gimcheon Junction. RESULTS : Six explanatory variables (logarithm of average annual daily traffic, sunny, rainy, and snowy weather conditions, road curvature, and driving behaviors that included sudden stops) were found to impact the occurrence of freeway accidents significantly. Two of these variables (snowy weather conditions and sudden stops among dangerous driving behaviors) were analyzed as random parameters. These variables were shown as probabilistic variables that do not have a fixed impact on traffic accidents CONCLUSIONS : The variables analyzed as random parameters should be carefully considered when the freeway operating authorities plan an improvement project for highway safety.

PURPOSES : In this study, the installation of drowsy rest areas and accidents are analyzed. The factors that affected the accidents caused by drowsy drivers in rest areas are analyzed to improve the safety of rest areas. METHODS : By comparing and analyzing the installation status of the rest areas for drowsy drivers, the accident status were analyzed. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors that affect accidents in the drowsy rest area. RESULTS : Most rest areas were installed below the installation criteria. Several accidents occurred when the vehicle entered the drowsy rest area. These rest areas had a short entry ramp, and no safety facilities were installed. The logistic regression model showed that the risk of an accident is lowered when the deceleration lane is longer than 215 m. Additionally, the risk of an accident is lowered when the rest area is installed in the straight section or the curve section, wherein the curve radius is greater than 2 km. CONCLUSIONS : In this study, we evaluated the installation status of the rest areas for drowsy drivers by comparing installation elements. Most rest areas for drowsy drivers were installed at different lengths of the ramp. Some of these were installed on the slope or curved sections of the road. We analyzed the accident status and developed an accident modal using the logistic regression model to identify the factors that affect accidents. It will be necessary to analyze accidents in drowsy rest areas continuously to improve safety for drowsy drivers.

PURPOSES : In this paper, pedestrian-oriented time assured traffic operation (POTATO), adopted in Korea at a single crossing pedestrianoriented operating area, is explored and applied to a simulation experiment and test site to verify the operation efficiency. METHODS : Three candidate plans are presented as a method to operate pedestrian-oriented signal operations that can overcome the restrictions on signal controllers in Korea. The selected POTATO and TOD signal operations were compared and analyzed. The delay and pedestrian queues, present length, and number of times were used as comparative indices. RESULTS : Scenario-specific simulations confirmed that the delay, compared to TOD signal operation, was reduced by up to 5 s/ped depending on the vehicle traffic volume and the number of pedestrians. For the vehicle delay, the results increased up to 8.99 s/veh, depending on the traffic volume of the vehicles and pedestrians. As a result of the test site operation, POTATO operation improved by 5.12 s/ped (approximately 46.69% improvement) compared to TOD operation in the hours commuting to school and by 2.84 s/ped in the hours commuting from school (approximately 51.13% improvement). In case of vehicle delay, the delay increased by 2.35 s/veh (approximately 64.39%) in the hours commuting to school and 1.20 s/veh (approximately 21.11%) in the hours commuting from school compared to the TOD operation. CONCLUSIONS : Through simulations and test site pilot operation verifications, the effects of pedestrian delay improvement were more positive if POTATO proposed in this study was low in vehicle traffic.