Analysis of Passing Behavior and Recommendation of a Road Structure for Improved Performance of Rural Two-Lane Highways

抄録

Hokkaido is a cold, snowy prefecture in Northern Japan. The prefecture accounts for 20% of Japan's land, and the cities in this vastness are widely dispersed. Residents in Hokkaido depend heavily on vehicle traffic, which accounts for about 90% of all transportation. Most of the intercity national highways in the rural areas of Hokkaido are two-way, two-lane roads, and such highways have the problems of risky passing and impaired road performance from long-time following. This study clarifies how passing behavior changes as a function of traffic volume or passing sight distance on two-way, two-lane highways in rural areas of Hokkaido. The goal is to recommend an improved road structure, such as the installation of a passing lane or the development of 2+1 lane highways.