Omar Bennett
A median strip, central reservation, roadway median, or traffic median is the reserved area that separates opposing lanes of traffic on divided roadways. The term applies to highways, dual carriageways, freeways, and motorways, as well as some major streets in urban or suburban areas. In some cases, a center turn lane can be used as a median, allowing vehicles to turn into driveways or streets on the opposite side of the road without stopping traffic. This type of lane also provides a space for drivers who must wait for a gap in oncoming traffic before completing their turn. Center turn lanes are marked on both sides by painted yellow lines and are located in the middle of two-way streets to help vehicles safely turn left from both directions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow vehicles to turn into driveways or streets on the opposite side of the road without stopping traffic |
| Lane Markings | Center left-turn lanes are marked on both sides by painted yellow lines. The outer lines are painted solid and the inner lines are broken. |
| Lane Usage | Used to make left turns or U-turns if permitted. Not to be used for passing other vehicles. |
| Lane Location | Located in the middle of two-way streets |
| Lane Construction | Constructed through the removal of one or more through lanes |
| Lane Types | Two-way turning lanes, single lanes, emergency lanes |
| Lane Use Cases | Used in busy urban areas with closely spaced access points, at intersections, on highways, dual carriageways, freeways, and motorways |
| Lane Benefits | Improved traffic flow, reduced head-on, rear-end, and turning crashes, reduced speeds, protection for pedestrians |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Two-way turn lanes can be used as emergency lanes
A centre turn lane, or central turning lane, is a designated lane in the centre of a road that allows vehicles travelling in either direction to slow down and turn across traffic into driveways or streets without stopping the flow of traffic. They are typically found in busy urban areas with closely spaced access points and can also provide some protection for pedestrians crossing the road.
Two-way turn lanes, or central turning lanes, can also be used as emergency lanes. In the event of a crash or stalled vehicle, two-way turn lanes allow traffic to bypass the incident and keep moving. This can also help emergency vehicles reach their destination faster. In addition, two-way turn lanes can reduce the risk of head-on, rear-end, and turning crashes, as well as improve overall traffic flow. However, it is important to note that two-way turning lanes should not be used at intersections and appropriate pedestrian protections should be implemented in areas with pedestrian activity.
When an emergency vehicle is approaching, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way and safely pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. This applies even if the emergency vehicle is in the opposite lane of a two-way roadway. Drivers must also exercise caution and move out of the lane adjacent to a parked, stopped, or standing emergency vehicle, unless it is unsafe to do so.
In some cases, personal vehicles driven by volunteer firefighters or ambulance/rescue squad members may display blue or green lights, respectively, and should be given the right-of-way when safe to do so. However, these vehicles must obey all traffic laws. It is important for all drivers to be aware of their surroundings and signal before turning or changing lanes to avoid any potential hazards.
Congressional Powers: Influence, Oversight, and Lawmaking
You may want to see also
U-turns are not allowed at intersections
A centre turn lane is a lane in the centre of the road that allows vehicles travelling in either direction to slow down and turn across traffic into driveways or streets without stopping the flow of traffic. They are typically used in busy urban areas with closely spaced access points and can also be used as emergency lanes. However, two-way turning lanes should not be used at intersections.
U-turns, or turning your vehicle around to go back in the direction you came, are generally not allowed at intersections. In the United States, state laws vary, but U-turns are typically prohibited at intersections controlled by a traffic officer or where signs indicate that U-turns are not allowed. In California, for example, U-turns are not allowed at midblocks and carry a fine of up to $175.
Drivers must exercise caution and ensure that U-turns are made safely and without interfering with other traffic. This includes using signals and making the turn in the left lane or the lane immediately to the right of the centre line or median. U-turns are also prohibited on one-way streets, in front of fire stations, and in business districts.
While U-turns may be allowed at intersections without signs prohibiting them, it is important to consider the safety of other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Attempting a U-turn can block the left lane of a major thoroughfare while waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic, impeding the normal flow of traffic. Therefore, it is essential to follow the traffic rules and regulations and only make U-turns when permitted and safe to do so.
In summary, U-turns are generally not allowed at intersections, especially those controlled by traffic officers or with signs prohibiting U-turns. Drivers must exercise due care and follow the appropriate procedures, including signalling and using the correct lane, when making U-turns in permitted areas to ensure the safety of all road users.
Executive Branch: Roles and Responsibilities Explained
You may want to see also
Median strips are also called 'central reservations'
A median is a reserved area that separates opposing lanes of traffic on divided roadways such as highways, dual carriageways, freeways, and motorways. They are also commonly found on some major streets in urban or suburban areas. This reserved area may be paved, or it may be adapted for other functions such as decorative landscaping, trees, median barriers, or rail lines.
Median strips, also known as central reservations, are the strips of land that divide a roadway into separate traffic flows. They act as a buffer between opposing lanes of traffic, reducing the likelihood of head-on collisions and providing a safe space for pedestrians to cross. Central reservations may also be used for reserved bus lanes, as seen in Istanbul, Los Angeles, and Bogotá. In some cases, the median strip of a highway may contain a train line, usually around major urban centers, to share a right-of-way and avoid the expense and difficulty of clearing a route through dense neighbourhoods.
The term "median" is commonly used in North American and Antipodean English, while "central reservation" is the preferred term in British English. However, regional variations exist, such as "neutral ground" in New Orleans and "boulevard" in Vancouver, British Columbia. In South Africa, the term "middelmannetjie" is used, originally referring to the hump between wheel ruts on a dust road.
Median strips offer both safety and aesthetic benefits to roadways. They can enhance the beauty of a street by incorporating greenery, flowers, and decorative elements, while also providing essential safety functions. Median strips can reduce the effects of urban heat islands by providing shade and lowering pavement heat absorption. They also serve as a buffer zone, reducing noise and air pollution. For instance, studies have shown that median strips planted with trees can decrease air pollution by up to 30%.
In addition to their primary purpose of facilitating safer road turns, median strips play a vital role in enhancing the functionality and visual appeal of urban landscapes. They provide opportunities for artistic expression, environmental initiatives, and improved traffic flow, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of both drivers and pedestrians.
Presidential Strategies: Key Components for Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Median strips can contain train lines
A median strip, central reservation, roadway median, or traffic median is the reserved area that separates opposing lanes of traffic on divided roadways such as highways, dual carriageways, freeways, and motorways. The term also applies to divided roadways other than highways, including some major streets in urban or suburban areas. The reserved area may simply be paved, but it is often adapted to other functions, such as decorative landscaping, trees, or a median barrier.
Median strips can also contain train lines, usually around major urban centers. This is often done to share a right-of-way, due to the expense and difficulty of clearing a route through dense urban neighborhoods. A reserved right-of-way is contrasted with street running, where rail cars and automobiles occupy the same lanes of traffic. For example, the Kwinana Freeway in Perth, Australia, contains the Mandurah railway line in its median strip. The Baltimore Metro Subway runs along a portion of I-795 in Baltimore County, and the Chicago Transit Authority's Red and Blue lines run in the median of the Dan Ryan Expressway, the Kennedy Expressway, and the Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago.
In North America, a large fraction of urban rail construction since World War Two, both light rail and full metro, has used highway medians as cheap at-grade rights-of-way to extend train service, often deep into the suburbs. Some proposed longer-range lines are supposed to go in medians as well: Florida has reserved space in the I-4 median for Orlando-Tampa high-speed rail, and Xpress West planned to go from Las Vegas to the outskirts of the Los Angeles area in the I-15 median. The Texas Central Railway, a private group planning high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston, is considering several alignments, including one that follows the I-45.
Outside of North America, there are also examples of train lines running in median strips. The A6 motorway (Attiki Odos) in Athens, Greece, has commuter trains running in its median. The Beijing Subway Line 13 and Batong line run in the median of the G45 Daqing-Guangzhou Expressway and Jingtong Expressway, respectively. The Manila MRT Line 3 runs in the median of the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) between the latter's intersection with Taft Avenue in Pasay and a junction with North Avenue in Quezon City.
The Last Line: Understanding the Preamble's Conclusion
You may want to see also
Vehicles are not permitted to cross a double-double yellow line
A centre turn lane, or turning lane, is a designated area in the centre of a road that allows vehicles travelling in either direction to slow down and turn across traffic safely. It can also be used as an emergency lane for traffic to bypass crashes and stalled vehicles, and for emergency vehicles to reach their destinations faster. In some cases, a centre turn lane can be used to turn into or out of a driveway.
In certain jurisdictions, a median break in the centre turn lane may allow vehicles to make a U-turn. However, this is not always the case, and it is important to follow local traffic laws and signage. For example, in California, a U-turn is permitted across a double yellow line in a residential district if no vehicles are approaching within 200 feet. On the other hand, U-turns are prohibited at railroad crossings, in front of fire stations, and in business districts.
Now, let's discuss the meaning of a double-double yellow line and why vehicles are not permitted to cross it.
A double-double yellow line, also known as a double solid yellow line, is a road marking consisting of two parallel solid yellow lines painted down the centre of a road. This marking indicates a two-direction no-passing restriction or zone, where vehicles travelling in both directions are strictly prohibited from crossing the line to pass other vehicles. In other words, it is illegal and extremely dangerous to cross over a double-double yellow line to shift into another lane or attempt to pass another vehicle.
The purpose of a double-double yellow line is to maintain safe traffic flow and prevent head-on collisions by restricting overtaking in areas with limited visibility or where crossing into the opposite lane would be hazardous. These areas may include narrow roads, curves, or hills. By following the rules associated with double-double yellow lines, drivers can help ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
The US Constitution: Foundation of a Nation's Laws and Values
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A median is a reserved area that separates opposing lanes of traffic on divided roadways such as divided highways, dual carriageways, freeways, and motorways.
A center turn lane is a designated lane in the center of a road that allows vehicles traveling in either direction to slow down and turn across traffic safely.
Yes, a center turn lane can function as a median, separating opposing lanes of traffic and providing a safe area for turning maneuvers.
Center turn lanes improve traffic flow by providing a dedicated space for turning vehicles, reducing the need for sudden stops and minimizing rear-end collisions. They also enhance pedestrian safety in areas with high pedestrian activity.
Yes, when using a center turn lane, drivers should follow specific rules. It is important not to drive in the turn lane for extended distances or use it to pass other vehicles. Drivers should also be mindful of oncoming traffic, as vehicles from both directions may enter the turn lane simultaneously.
