Review and design policy of sight distance types for the interurban highway system

Abstract

The paper introduces design policies, model developments and the implementation of sight distances (SDs) in the interurban highway network in Israel. The SD types are stopping sight distance (SSD), decision sight distance (DSD), passing sight distance (PSD) and constrained passing sight distance (CPSD). In Israel, the implementation of SDs was resolved on the basis of highway categories included in the interurban highway system. The paper reviews and documents the developments of highway design parameters and constructed models of the SD types, specifically the perception–reaction time and deceleration coefficient required for SSD, DSD model formation and innovative concepts related to CPSD based on PSD model components. Compared with US design policy, the Israeli design policy resulted in slightly lower design values for SSD, DSD and PSD, but higher CPSD design values. The paper also refers to SD considerations that might impact the construction stages of a highway project. The developments presented are an outcome of the new Israeli geometric design policy and controls for rural (interurban) highways.