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To clarify, the "2+1" roads have a middle lane that alternates directions every few kilometers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2%2B1_road https://en.wikipedia.o
by jessriedel 10y ago
To clarify, the "2+1" roads have a middle lane that alternates directions every few kilometers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2%2B1_road https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2%2B1_road
This is distinct from the sorts of 3-lane roads (more common in Europe than the US) where the central lane is designated simultaneously for passing in either direction. (Which conversely seems really dangerous.)
Note also that rural road costs about $1M/lane-mile in the US (double in urban areas) so 900 miles of 3-lane road is probably at least $2B. If the road lasted a decade, it would make the cost-per-life-saved on the high side of US value of life guidelines.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value_of_life#Life_Value_in_the_US https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value_of_life#Life_Value_in_th...
- lorenzhs 10y agoNever seen a three-lane road with shared overtaking lane here in Germany. Those seem positively dangerous. 2+1 is fairly common on Bundesstraßen, though. They typically don't have a divider but the signage makes it very clear who can use it.
- jessriedel 10y agoAccording to this random internet discussion, suicide lanes were mostly to be found in Italy, France, and Belgium, but are on their way out. http://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=6773.25 http://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=6773.25
- majewsky 10y agoIs this a regional thing? I've never seen them where I live (in Saxony). It should be noted though that I don't have a driver's license, so I'm probably not watching road types as attentively as a driver.
- douche 10y agoIn the US, I've never seen a two-way passing middle lane, only three lane roads where the middle lane is designated for making left-hand turns for either lane. Usually these are in the "strip" regions in towns, where there are strip malls and big-box stores lining both sides of the road.
- calinet6 10y agoI have seen 3-lane roads where the middle lane switches direction depending on time of day, with clear lit-up overhead signage telling you which lanes are going which direction. During non-rush hours it acts as a standard protected turning lane as you describe. It's not very good for safety: many drivers forget or don't see the signage, so driving even in the direction the sign tells you you're allowed can be dangerous.
- sandworm101 10y agoVancouvers Lions Gate bridge (the big green one) uses this system. I havent heard of a non-drunk ever getting that confused. If you cannot obey the 100s of lit signs, youll also be having trouble with hasic red-light intersections. One cool trick is that the center lane can be shut both ways to allow ambulances and cops to rush the bridge when needed.
- calinet6 10y agoSouthern Maryland is a lot different from Vancouver, that's all I'll say...
- MikeTLive 10y agoRt.53 in Hingham,MA has a suicide lane. This is the appropriate name for a single track bidirectional lane for turning left. It is not used for passing. Great fun when people enter the lane too soon and facing cars must pass before each turns left. this leads to last minute entry into the lane and many stale-mates with stubborn cursiing drivers facing each other with no where to go as the prevailing traffic passes them on both sides. http://www.macon-bibb.com/FHR/Suicide-Lane.htm http://www.macon-bibb.com/FHR/Suicide-Lane.htm
- masklinn 10y ago> This is distinct from the sorts of 3-lane roads (more common in Europe than the US) where the central lane is designated simultaneously for passing in either direction. (Which conversely seems really dangerous.) It was somewhat common 40 or 50 years ago but it's gone pretty much entirely (replaced by either alternating 2+1 or 1+1 with turn lanes and the like in the middle) because it is, in fact, extremely dangerous.
- deleted 10y ago[deleted]