Effect of road structure on the capacity of a signalized road intersection

In this paper, we use the stochastic Nagel--Schreckenberg (NaSch)model to investigate the influence of a special right-turning laneconnecting two main roads on the capacity of a signalized roadintersection. It is found that the magnitude of right-turningtraffic flow and the linking position of the special right-turninglane can greatly influence the capacity of the signalized roadintersection. The relation between traffic flow and enteringprobability for different distances between the entrance (exit) ofthe special right-turning lane and the road intersection issimulated and analysed. The corresponding spatiotemporal pattern andphase diagram on different sections of the main road are givenunder the condition of close proximity to the signalized roadintersection, stop-and-go traffic occur and obstruct theintersection. On the contrary, unchanged flux is maintained as thedistance exceeds a critical values. All the studies indicate thatsetting a special right-turning lane by choosing a suitable locationnear a signalized road intersection can relieve the load of currenttraffic on the main road and maintain traffic flow.