Investigation of Lane-Changing Phenomena at Large Multi-lane Roundabout

Abstract

This paper investigates the vehicle interaction characteristics at the weaving section of a multi-lane roundabout. On-site observation and video recording were used to collect traffic data at a multi-lane roundabout in Kuching during weekday's peak hours (morning and evening). The results are categorized into: (i) types of the lane-changing strategy adopted by the drivers; (ii) location of lane-changing prior to and within the roundabout; and (iii) the factors that trigger the lane-changing phenomenon. Within both approach and circulating lane, the result shows that most drivers preferred to adopt the Direct Single Lane-changing strategy. Furthermore, the frequency with which a vehicle initiates lane-changing within the approach lane increases when the distance from the yield line increases. In contrast, lane changes within the circulating lane are typical between the start and end distance between the entry and the next exit leg. Lastly, both lane's congestion levels and drivers' destination would trigger the drivers to change lanes within the roundabout.