A Review of Policies on Geometric Design of Freeways: Portugal and United States of America

• Main Authors: Lígia Conceição, Carlos Rodrigues
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade do Porto 2017-06-01
• Series: U.Porto Journal of Engineering
• Subjects: Transport Policy; Expressway; Deregulation; Public Works; Road Building; Construction Policy
• Online Access: https://journalengineering.fe.up.pt/article/view/77

Once freeways are classified as arterial systems, they are directly associated to accessibility which has implications on efficiency of a road network design. The geometric design standards influence the freeways’ conception and operation and, therefore, they certainly have an impact on accessibility and the country’s development. A comparative analysis of geometric design of freeways was focused on two policies, both from Portugal and United States of America. The data gathered the geometric parameters regarding the design controls, criteria, elements of design and cross section elements. The major finding of this review infers that the Portuguese Policy imply wider and extensive freeways that arise from strong restraints in the minimum values of geometric parameters. This reflects on higher safety frame. The American Policy is less conservative which may reflect on slender geometric freeways, in comparison with the Portuguese. Therefore, it may be assumed that the American Policy designs less expensive freeways.