What is a typical feature of a median according to AASHTO standards?

What is a typical feature of a median according to AASHTO standards?

• A. It must include guard railings
• B. It should allow for bicycle lanes only
• C. It generally features an opening for left turns
• D. It should be covered with grass solely

Answer: (C)

A typical feature of a median according to AASHTO standards is that it generally features an opening for left turns. Medians are designed to provide a safety buffer between opposing lanes of traffic and to manage how vehicles navigate intersections. The introduction of openings in medians is particularly important as it allows vehicles to make left turns safely, reducing conflict points by directing turning movements in a controlled manner. Openings also facilitate access to properties and intersections, effectively improving overall traffic flow. The design of these openings must account for various factors such as sight distance, traffic volume, and speed, ensuring that they meet safety and operational criteria outlined by AASHTO. Other features like guard railings, bicycle lanes, or specific surface treatments like grass covering can have their own design considerations, but they are not defining characteristics of a median according to AASHTO standards. Therefore, the presence of a left turn opening is a key aspect of median design to enhance safety and traffic efficiency.

A typical feature of a median according to AASHTO standards is that it generally features an opening for left turns. Medians are designed to provide a safety buffer between opposing lanes of traffic and to manage how vehicles navigate intersections. The introduction of openings in medians is particularly important as it allows vehicles to make left turns safely, reducing conflict points by directing turning movements in a controlled manner.

Openings also facilitate access to properties and intersections, effectively improving overall traffic flow. The design of these openings must account for various factors such as sight distance, traffic volume, and speed, ensuring that they meet safety and operational criteria outlined by AASHTO.

Other features like guard railings, bicycle lanes, or specific surface treatments like grass covering can have their own design considerations, but they are not defining characteristics of a median according to AASHTO standards. Therefore, the presence of a left turn opening is a key aspect of median design to enhance safety and traffic efficiency.