UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 2 Research Projects

Project No.: CY3-OSU-OU-02
Title: Impact of Pavement and Weather Conditions on Traffic Speed at Sharp Horizontal Curves
Performing Institution: Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma
Principal Investigator: Joshua Li, Oklahoma State University; Ali Shirazi, University of Oklahoma
Abstract: Lane departure crashes on sharp horizontal curves are a major safety concern on both highways and freeways, accounting for a disproportionately high number of fatal and severe injury crashes. Research has shown that these crashes are often linked to speeds relative to curve geometry. While geometric design factors like curve radius and superelevation have been well studied, less attention has been given to how pavement and weather conditions influence traffic speed on these elements. Particularly, current safety models do not fully account for the effects of pavement surface conditions, such as friction, roughness, and texture, or adverse weather elements like precipitation, temperature drops, and reduced visibility. While the impact of factors like road curvature effects on traffic speed have been studied, current models often fail to integrate the complex interaction of pavement conditions and weather data in predicting traffic speeds. This results in inaccurate speed predictions, which can compromise safety and infrastructure planning. Without comprehensive, data-driven models, interventions such as speed limits, signage, or road maintenance are often poorly targeted, leading to higher risks of crashes, congestion, and inefficient resource allocation. The motivation for this project is to develop a predictive model that integrates pavement conditions, weather effects, and road geometry to estimate traffic speed at horizontal curves. This will provide safer roads by enabling better traffic management, targeted infrastructure improvements, and more efficient interventions. 
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 01/01/2026 to 01/15/2027
Click to read more