Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

3-2025

School/College

College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (COSET)

Degree Name

MS in Transportation Planning & Management

Committee Chairperson

Dr. Yi Qi

Committee Member 1

Dr. Fengxiang Qiao

Committee Member 2

Dr. Mehdi Azimi

Committee Member 3

Dr. Yuhong Zhang

Keywords

Flipped Left Diamond Interchange, Questionnaire, Survey, Focus Group

Abstract

The Flipped Left Diamond Interchange operation was investigated, and its advantageous traffic optimization, resulting in delay reduction and uninterrupted traffic flow, was demonstrated. However, due to the lack of familiarity with a design whose geometric configuration flips the left turn movement towards the opposing traffic, an investigative study is necessary to determine the road users’ appreciation and acceptance of it. The Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians (2001) urges the consideration of the design driver’s perception of the acceptability of highway geometry, operations, and traffic control devices. Therefore, this study designed a questionnaire to survey Houstonians from different socioeconomic groups to ensure the inclusivity and viability of the data. Furthermore, a focus group comprised a mobility expert with over 10 years of experience and Houston’s district director of transportation for the Texas Department of Transportation with over 18 years of experience. This study’s analysis focused on assessing road users’ perceived ease or comfort when executing the left-turn movement, such as from north to west or south to east; evaluating driver safety perceptions: Driver safety perception is a central issue before and during the implementation of an innovative design because it guides the driver’s response to the creative design, informs behavioral adaptation to the new design, and informs on the effective use; surveying the effectiveness of the proposed traffic signs and pavement markings in aiding driver comprehension, thus ensuring safe reaction/response and optimizing traffic movement, and engaging road users to identify public awareness strategies. Driver feedback is essential in developing educational campaigns and effective communication channels relevant to the distinct demographics representing the Houston population.

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