Finding and Measuring Horizontal Curves in a Large Highway Network

Abstract

Roadways are continuous elements that consist of straight and curved segments that are of particular interest to transportation agencies because of safety concerns for motorists. An analysis was undertaken on curves to determine the accuracy of using GIS to identify curves. The safety of horizontal curves from a system perspective was also benchmarked to understand curves as a system instead of as isolated roadway features. The automated application, Curve Finder, was able to locate 532 of 799 curves along three routes studied. Roadway agencies can use Curve Finder to identify and measure a set of curves automatically. This GIS application for horizontal curves enables transportation agencies to leverage existing resources to manage their infrastructure more efficiently. The policy implications are that the additional curve data will enable a more cost-effective distribution of funding for improvements, a more efficient delivery of maintenance operations, and a safer roadway network.