Design policies for sight distance at stop-controlled intersections based on gap acceptance

The current AASHTO policy for sight distance at stop-controlled intersectio ns is based on a model of the acceleration performance of a minor-road vehi cle turning left or right onto a major road and the deceleration performanc e of the following major-road vehicle. This paper develops and quantifies a n alternative intersection sight distance model based on gap acceptance. Th e paper describes field studies that were performed to determine the critic al gaps appropriate for use in sight distance design. It is recommended tha t the sight distance along the major road for a passenger car at a stop-con trolled intersection be based on a distance equal to 7.5 s of travel time a t the design speed of the major road. Longer sight distances are recommende d for minor-road approaches that have sufficient truck volumes to warrant c onsideration of a truck as the design vehicle. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.