WO2000040802A1

WO2000040802A1 - New road and parallel side zone system

Info

Publication number: WO2000040802A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/010712
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sing-Chiow Chan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-01-08
Filing date: 1999-05-15
Publication date: 2000-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2001-07-08
Also published as: CN1205391C; MY143719A; CN1333851A; WO2000040802B1

Abstract

A roadway system (1) comprising a primary lane (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) suitable for unidirectional, vehicular use, adjacent to a plurality of passing zone segments (10). The primary lane (2) provides a surface for single file traffic flow. Each passing zone segment (10) provides a surface for single file, vehicular traffic flow in the same unidirectional direction. Each passing zone segment provides an entrance (7), a passing lane (9) and an exit (11). Each passing zone segment (10) is sequentially disposed at a repetitive interval adjacent the primary lane (2). A traffic island or median (12) is provided to separate the primary lane (4) and the passing lane (9). Center line (50) separates lanes of opposing traffic directions (4, 8).

Description

NEW ROAD AND PARALLEL SIDE ZONE SYSTEM

Technical Field

The subject invention is related to an improved roadway providing a passing zone system. The subject invention is more directly related to an improved roadway providing a passing zone system of passing zones at regular and predictable intervals along the improved roadway. The subject invention is yet more directly related to an improved roadway providing a passing zone system of passing zones at regular and predictable intervals along the improved roadway which includes a system of signage indicating the presence of and distance to the passing zones. Finally, the subject invention relates to either the construction of a new roadway or the modification of an existing roadway to the design of an improved roadway providing a passing zone system of passing zones at regular and predictable intervals along the improved roadway which may include a system of signage indicating the presence of and distance to the passing zones.

Background Art

Constructing or improving an existing roadway to provide a passing lane along a segment or segments of such roadway or highway is well known in the prior art. The obvious benefit of providing a passing lane adjacent to a segment of a two lane roadway or highway is that the passing lane increases the traffic flow capacity along that segment of roadway or highway. An increase in the traffic flow capacity of a roadway or highway creates a decrease in fuel consumption per vehicular mile traveled and a decrease in exhaust emissions per vehicular mile traveled. An additional benefit, often over-looked, of providing a passing lane adjacent to a segment of a two lane roadway or highway is that there is a decrease in the risk of vehicular collision, thus enhancing the safety of the two lane roadway or highway segments that provide the passing lanes. The decreased risk of vehicular collision typically arises because vehicles moving in a single direction along a two lane roadway or highway will collect behind a slower moving vehicle. If a given vehicle desires to_^ overtake and pass a slower moving vehicle, the overtaking vehicle must proceed into the lane of the two lane roadway or highway designated for traffic moving in the opposite direction. Due to haste, lack of driving experience, bad judgment, or poor visibility, a higher than normal rate of vehicular collisions result.

However, several problems exist with existing methods of determining placement of passing lanes along two-lane roadways or highways. Currently passing lanes are added to two-lane roadways or highways sporadically or at non-predictable intervals. Therefore, an individual driving a vehicle behind a slower moving vehicle, and wishing to pass the slower moving vehicle, may be unaware of the existence of a passing lane, or the distance from the driver's present location to the next passing lane. Being unaware or uninformed of the next available passing lane, a driver may attempt to pass before reaching a passing lane. The passing driver would then be entering the lane dedicated to traffic flowing in the opposite direction - which can result in a potentially hazardous situation if the driver exercises poor judgment when passing.

In addition to safety hazards, the existing methods of determining placement of passing lanes along two-lane roadways and highways cause excess fuel consumption, and consequently produces increased emissions. Excess fuel is consumed when a vehicle passes a slower moving vehicle on a two lane roadway or highway; the passing car must accelerate quickly in order to minimize his or her time in the lane dedicated for opposite flow traffic. Fuel usage of the vehicle is greatly increased during periods of quick accelerations - thus reducing overall fuel efficiency of the passing vehicle. The passing vehicle will often accelerate from about 30 miles per hour to as much as 60 to 70 miles per hour while passing. During this time of rapid acceleration, the average vehicle will require approximately 0.0155 gallons of additional fuel for a change of speed cycle of about 40 miles per hour on level roads. While this is a small number by itself, it can become an important figure when it involves numerous speed changes by a large number of vehicles. For example, a vehicle traveling at an average speed of 30 miles per hour on level roads requires an average of 0.044 gallons of fuel per mile. However, if the average speed of 30 miles per hour fluctuates the fuel consumption of 0.044 gallons of fuel per mile will increase. Fluctuation can occur due to cycles of passing slower moving vehicles and slowing down behind other slower moving vehicles. This cycle of passing and slowing can be expected to occur^* repeatedly on most highways or roadways and reduce average fuel consumption to about 0.675 gallons per mile (14.81 miles per gallon). Fuel consumption data is derived from Table 6-49 and 6-50, Transportation and Traffic Engineering Handbook, Institute of Transportation Engineers, and the Composite passenger car represented here reflects a vehicle distribution of 20% large cars, 65% standard cars, 10% compact cars and 5% small cars.

Additionally, quick accelerations increase the emissions produced by the vehicle. During quick accelerations more fuel is consumed, and more fuel is left uncombusted; which results in more hydrocarbons being exhausted into the atmosphere. The combination of increased fuel consumption plus the increased uncombusted fuel greatly increases vehicle emissions during accelerations. Air pollution from auto emissions has allegedly produced global warming, and does produce a health hazard, as well as deleterious effects on the environment. On the road vehicles are a major contributor to carbon monoxide emissions in the atmosphere. In 1995, vehicles represented 64% of the total carbon monoxide emissions (National Air Pollutant Emission Trends, 1990-1995). The quantity of vehicle emissions indicate that vehicles are a major contributor to pollution (1995 Environmental Protection Agency, "National Air Pollutant Emission Trends", 1990-1995).

The optimal fuel economy for most vehicles is obtained at a constant vehicle speed. However, if a slow moving vehicle, on a two lane roadway or highway, causes traffic accumulation behind it, the vehicles in the accumulation tend not to travel at a constant rate of speed, but instead accelerate and decelerate (by braking) while behind the slow moving vehicle. This acceleration and deceleration greatly reduces fuel economy and increases vehicle emissions. The acceleration increases fuel consumption and vehicle emissions for the above mentioned reasons; the deceleration increases fuel consumption and emissions since the energy expended by the combusting fuel to attain a certain vehicle velocity is wasted when the vehicle brakes are applied to decelerate the vehicle. Consequently, to re-attain cruising speed, additional fuel must be consumed, and more vehicle emissions are produced. If the vehicles in the accumulation were traveling at a constant rate of speed instead of decelerating and accelerating, the fuel usage and the emissions of each vehicle would be reduced. Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is of an improved roadway system, the Parallel Side Zone System, commercialized and hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "JC Parallel Side Zone System," constructed either as a new roadway or as a modification to an existing roadway and comprising a lane suitable for vehicular use together with a plurality of passing zone segments located at regular and predictable intervals along such lane and, optionally, providing a system of signage indicating the presence of and distance to the passing zones. The lane provides a surface suitable for single file, unidirectional vehicular traffic flow. Additionally, each passing zone segment provides a surface suitable for single file, vehicular traffic in the direction of the lane's unidirectional vehicular traffic flow. Each passing zone segment is provided with an entrance for vehicular communication out of the lane as well as an exit for vehicular communication into the lane. The passing zone segments are sequentially disposed at a repetitive interval along said lane. To comprise a repetitive interval it is preferred that each passing zone segment length be equidistant, and that the distance between the each passing zone segment exit and the next successive passing zone entrance also be equidistant. However, repetitive intervals may also be obtained by providing that all successive passing zone entrances be equidistant from one another, while the lengths of the passing zone segments and the distance between successive exits are permitted to vary.

It is central to the instant invention, the "JC Parallel Side Zone System," that the distances between subsequent passing zones be predictable. That is, the driver of a vehicle on the improved roadway of the instant invention must have knowledge of system of passing zones and an expectation of the occurrence of a subsequent passing zone at all times while traveling along the improved roadway. Thus the instant invention may provide a system of signage which informs the driver of the existence of the improved roadway and passing zone system, and which may further inform the driver of the distance to between passing zones, and which may yet further inform the driver of the distance to the next sequential passing zone. The predictability of the distance to the next sequential passing zone of the instant invention has a significant effect upon the drivers along the improved roadway. This is particularly true if the length of the improved roadway is hundreds of miles or more. The drivers, having knowledge that a passing zone is provided at a predictable distance ahead along the improved roadway, will choose to wait until they have the opportunity to utilize the passing zone instead of attempting to accelerate and pass slow-moving traffic by encroaching onto the lane bearing traffic moving in the opposite direction. Thereby the drivers along the improved roadway, the "JC Parallel Side Zone

System," avoid the danger of entering into the oncoming lane of traffic and, further, avoid the loss of fuel economy and increased emissions produced by rapid acceleration.

The predictability of the repetitiveness may be enhanced or achieved by a system of signage indicating that the lane along which the driver is progressing is part of an improved roadway which provides passing zone segments. The system of signage may also indicates the intervals between the entrances to passing zone segments and the distance from the sign to the next sequentially disposed passing zone segment.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along such roadway to enable vehicles on such roadway to pass slower moving vehicles.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along such roadway without entering into the adjacent lane of oncoming traffic. It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along such roadway without reducing the fuel economy of the passing vehicle.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along such roadway without increasing the exhaust emissions of the passing vehicle.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along such roadway which allow vehicular communication from and to a lane of a roadway or highway. It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along' such roadway which allow vehicular communication from and to a lane of a roadway or highway.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along such roadway without a significant increase in capital cost.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along such roadway as an alternative to the construction of a four-lane roadway.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along such roadway as an alternative to the construction of a two-lane roadway.

It is yet a further and final object of this invention to provide an improved roadway system which provides uniformly spaced passing zones sequentially disposed along such roadway as an improvement to an existing two-lane roadway.

Brief Description of Drawings

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments set forth below, to be considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which: Fig.1 depicts a straight section of the improved roadway of the instant invention wherein the passing zone is separated from the roadway by a traffic island.

Fig. 2 depicts a curved section of the improved roadway of the instant invention as would be constructed in mountainous terrain wherein the passing zone is separated from the roadway by a solid wall or barrier. Fig. 3 depicts representative traffic on the improved roadway of the instant invention approaching a section of the improved roadway which provides a passing zone system.

Fig. 4 depicts representative traffic on the improved roadway of the instant invention and on a passing zone of the improved roadway of the instant invention.

Fig. 5 depicts representative traffic on the improved roadway of the instant invention after leaving a section of the improved roadway which provides a passing zone system.

Fig. 6 depicts representative traffic on the improved roadway of the instant invention which provides passing zones for traffic flowing in both directions, as would be expected adjacent a metropolitan area.

Fig. 7 depicts the improved roadway of the instant invention providing sequentially spaced passing zone segments together with a system of signage.

Fig. 8 depicts illustrative signs representative of a system of signage.

Fig. 9 depicts illustrative signs representative of a system of signage.

Fig. 10 depicts a straight section of the improved roadway of the instant invention wherein the roadway is separated from the passing lane by a double solid line on the pavement.

Fig. 11 depicts traffic flow at the entrance to a passing zone on a straight section of the improved roadway of the instant invention wherein the roadway is separated from the passing lane by a double solid line on the pavement.

Fig. 12 depicts traffic flow at an exit from a passing zone on a straight section of the improved roadway of the instant invention wherein the roadway is separated from the passing lane by a double solid line on the pavement. ^"""* Fig. 13 depicts traffic flow on a straight section of the improved roadway of the instant invention which provides a system of signage and wherein the roadway is separated from the passing lane by a double solid line on the pavement. Fig. 14 depicts traffic flow on a straight section of the improved roadway of the instant invention which provides a system of signage and wherein the roadway is separated from the passing lane by a solid barrier

Fig. 15 depicts a straight section of the improved roadway of the instant invention which provides three passing zones for each lane of traffic on a two lane road, provides for separation of the passing lane from the roadway by either a double solid line on the pavement or a a physical barrier, and provides for a system of signage for some of the passing zones.

Fig. 16 depicts a curved section of the improved roadway of the instant invention constructed along a mountainside which provides solid barriers between the roadway and the passing lanes and provides either fencing or a solid barrier on the side of the roadway or passing lane that faces the downside of the mountain.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Figure 1 depicts a straight section of the improved roadway 1 of the instant invention, the JC Parallel Side Zone System, wherein the passing lane 9 is separated from the passing zone road segment 4 of the improved roadway 1 by a traffic island or median 12. The parallel side zone 10, comprising (assuming traffic flow from left to right) a parallel side zone entrance 7, a passing lane 9, and a parallel side zone exit 11- adjacent the passing zone road segment 4 could be either part of the initial construction of the improved roadway 1 or constructed adjacent an existing roadway to achieve the benefits of the improved roadway 1. While Fig. 1 depicts a roadway comprised of two lanes, lane 8 and a lane comprising road segments 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, together with a single parallel side zone 10, the essence of the invention is the existence of a series of parallel side zones 10 located at regular and predictable intervals along such roadway. The parallel side zone system is a series of parallel side zones 10 located at regular and predictable intervals along a roadway The present invention is of an improved roadway 1 constructed either as a new roadway providing the parallel side zone system, or as a modification to an existing roadway whereby the modified roadway provides the parallel side zone system; and, optionally, providing a system of signage indicating the presence of and distance to the next parallel side zone 10. The improved roadway 1 depicted in Fig. 1 provides two lanes, a right-hand lane comprising road segments 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and a left-hand lane 8, however the parallel side zone system could be combined with a roadway having more than two lanes. Further, the parallel side zone system could be combined with a roadway where vehicular traffic occurs on either the "right hand" or the "left hand" side. That is, the choice of the lane comprising road segments 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, or lane 8 for traffic moving from left to right in Fig. 1 is of significance only when attaching labels to an "entrance" or an "exit" to the passing lane 9.

As traffic flows from left to right on the improved roadway 1 of Fig. 1, the traffic would first encounter the pre-parallel side zone road segment 2 which precedes the parallel side zone 10. Next, the traffic would enter onto road segment 3 which is adjacent the parallel side zone entrance 7 and either the slower moving vehicles (represented in several of the Figs, as larger objects), or the faster moving vehicles 23 (represented in several of the Figs, as smaller objects), as directed by signage, custom or law, would separate out from the flow of traffic and enter onto the passing lane 9 of the parallel side zone 10 at the parallel side zone entrance 7. It is assumed throughout the rest of this description that the slower moving vehicles 24 are the portion of the traffic that will move onto the passing lane 9 of the parallel side zone 10.

Once the slower moving vehicles 24 have separated out of the traffic flow and moved onto the parallel side zone 10, the remaining traffic continues along the improved roadway 1 by moving onto road segment 4, effectively passing the slower moving vehicles 24 which are using the passing lane 9. In the usual course of events, along a lengthy roadway, numerous faster moving vehicles 23 will be "bunched up" or retarded in their progress by the presence of one or more slow moving vehicles 24 at the point when the traffic flow enters onto the pre-parallel side zone road segment 2. In such event, the faster moving vehicles 23 will accelerate along passing zone road segment 4 while the slower moving vehicles 24 proceed along the passing lane 9. If the slower moving vehicles 24 are caused to yield, by custom, signage, or law, to traffic flow as they reach the parallel side zone exit 11, the faster moving vehicles 23 which were "bunched up" behind the slower moving vehicles 24 will have all passed over the road segment 5 on to post parallel side zone road segment 6 before the slower moving vehicles 24 re-enter the improved roadway 1 from the parallel side zone exit 11 onto the road segment 5.

The dashed lines in Figure 1 do not represent structural features of the invention, but have been added for clarity to indicate boundaries between the various road segments; whereas the dashed road stripe 50 indicates the boundary between traffic lane 8 and the traffic lane comprised of road segments 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, for traffic flow in the opposite direction.

Figure 2 depicts a curved section of the improved roadway 13 of the instant invention, as would be constructed in mountainous terrain, wherein the parallel side zone 30 is separated from the passing zone road segment 16 by a solid wall or barrier 52, constructed in accordance with the instant invention. The parallel side zone 30, comprising (assuming traffic flow from left to right) a parallel side zone entrance 19, a passing lane 20, and a parallel side zone exit 21, adjacent passing zone road segment 16 could be either part of the initial construction of the improved roadway 13 or constructed adjacent an existing roadway to achieve the benefits of the improved roadway 13. While Fig. 2 depicts a roadway comprised of two lanes, lane 29 and a lane comprising road segments 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, together with a single parallel side zone 30, the essence of the invention is the existence of a series of parallel side zones 30 located at regular and predictable intervals along such roadway. The parallel side zone system is a series of parallel side zones 30 located at regular and predictable intervals along a roadway The present invention is of an improved roadway 13 constructed either as a new roadway providing the parallel side zone system, or as a modification to an existing roadway whereby the modified roadway provides the parallel side zone system; and, optionally, providing a system of signage indicating the presence of and distance to the next parallel side zone 30. The improved roadway 13 depicted in Fig. 2 provides two lanes, a right-hand lane comprising road segments 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, and a left-hand lane 29, however the parallel side zone system could be combined with a roadway having more than two lanes. Further, the parallel side zone system could be combined with a roadway where vehicular traffic occurs on either the "right hand" or the "left hand" side. That is, the choice of the lane comprising road segments 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, or lane 29 for traffic moving from left to right in Fig. 2 is of significance only when attaching labels to an "entrance" or an "exit" to the passing lane 20.

As traffic flows from left to right on the improved roadway 13 of Fig. 2, the traffic would first encounter pre-parallel side zone road segment 14 which precedes the parallel side zone 30. Next, the traffic would enter onto road segment 15 which is adjacent the parallel side zone entrance 19 and either the slower moving vehicles 24 (represented in several of the Figs, as larger objects), or the faster moving vehicles 23 (represented in several of the Figs, as smaller objects), as directed by signage, custom or law, would separate out from the flow of traffic and enter onto the parallel side zone 30 at the parallel side zone entrance 19. It is assumed throughout the rest of this description that the slower moving vehicles 24 are the portion of the traffic that will move onto the passing lane 20 of the parallel side zone 30.

Once the slower moving vehicles 24 have separated out of the traffic flow and moved onto the parallel side zone 30, the remaining traffic continues along the improved roadway 13 by moving onto passing zone road segment 16, effectively passing the slower moving vehicles 24 which are using the passing lane 20. In the usual course of events, along a lengthy roadway, numerous faster moving vehicles 23 will be "bunched up" or retarded in their progress by the presence of one or more slow moving vehicles 24 at the point when the traffic flow enters onto pre-parallel side zone road segment 14. In such event, the faster moving vehicles 23 will accelerate along passing zone road segment 16 while the slower moving vehicles 24 proceed along the passing lane 20. If the slower moving vehicles 24 are caused to yield, by custom, signage, or law, to traffic flow as they reach the parallel side zone exit 21, the faster moving vehicles 23 which were "bunched up" behind the slower moving vehicles 24 will have all passed over the road segment 17 on to the post parallel side zone road segment 18 before the slower moving vehicles 24 re-enter the improved roadway 13 from the parallel side zone exit 21 onto the road segment 17.

The dashed lines in Figure 2 do not represent structural features of the invention, but have been added for clarity to indicate boundaries between the various road segments; whereas the dashed road stripe 50 indicates the boundary between traffic lane 29 and the traffic lane comprised of road segments 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, for traffic flow in the opposite direction.

Figure 3 depicts vehicular traffic on a straight segment of improved roadway 1 on the pre-parallel side zone road segment 2 approaching the entrance to the parallel side zone 10. The slower moving vehicles 24 are typically trucks and vans or other high capacity or cargo transporting vehicles. The faster moving vehicles 23 are usually passenger vehicles which are smaller and where the primary function is to transport small numbers of individuals.

Figure 4 depicts a stream of vehicular traffic on a straight segment of improved roadway 1 which illustrates the division of vehicular traffic between passing zone road segment 4 and the passing lane 9 of the parallel side zone 10. The best mode for carrying out the invention anticipates that the traffic, comprising both slow moving vehicles 24 and fast moving vehicles 23, would first encounter the pre-parallel side zone road segment 2 which precedes the parallel side zone 10. Then, that the traffic would enter onto road segment 3 which is adjacent the parallel side zone entrance 7 and that the slower moving vehicles 24 would then separate out from the flow of traffic and enter onto the passing lane 9 of the parallel side zone 10 at the parallel side zone entrance 7. It is further anticipated that the faster moving vehicles 23 will proceed from the pre-parallel side zone road segment 2 onto parallel side zone separation road segment 3, and proceed to the parallel side zone passing road segment 4, then to the roadway's parallel side zone merge road segment 5, and finally on to the post parallel side zone road segment 6. An alternative preferred mode for carrying out the invention requires that the slower moving vehicles 24 proceed onto the parallel side zone passing road segment 4, and that the faster moving vehicles 23 exit onto the passing lane 9. Figure 5 depicts vehicular traffic on a segment of the improved roadway 1 in the post parallel side zone road segment 6. Vehicular traffic in the post parallel side zone road segment 6 has coalesced such that the faster moving vehicles 23 are situated ahead of the slower moving vehicles 24. The faster moving vehicles 23 will gradually pull away from the and ahead of the slower moving vehicles 24 shown in Fig. 5 until such time as the faster moving vehicles 23 of Fig. 5 encounter a new group of slower moving vehicles 24.

Figure 6 illustrates vehicular traffic on an improved roadway 1 at its connection to a city or metropolitan area. As depicted in Fig. 6, it is anticipated that the city or metropolitan area will have four lane roads internally and extending out to join the improved roadway 1. Fig. 6 depicts two lanes, lane 31 and lane 32, outbound from the city or metropolitan area and two lanes, lane 33 and lane 34, inbound to the city or metropolitan area. Lanes 31 and 32 are divided by a solid paint stripe 25 on the roadway, and lanes 33 and 34 are divided by a solid paint stripe 26 on the roadway. Vehicular traffic traveling toward the city or metropolitan area pass over the pre- parallel side zone road segment 2 and move onto road segment 27 where the vehicles elect to move into either the slower traffic lane 34 or the faster traffic lane 33. Vehicular traffic leaving the city or metropolitan area are traveling in either the slower traffic lane 31 or the faster traffic lane 32 which merge at road segment 28 onto post parallel side zone road segment 6. Fig. 6, again, assumes that the slower moving vehicles 24 will occupy and travel on the traffic lanes designated or intended for the slower moving traffic and that the faster moving vehicles 23 will occupy and travel on the traffic lanes designated or intended for the faster moving traffic.

Figure 7 depicts a straight segment of improved roadway 1 which provides a series of sequentially spaced parallel side zones 10 and a series of signs (40 through 49) which are individually illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. The length of the parallel side zones 10, and the distance between the entrance to each successive parallel side zone 10 can be equidistant. However, based on engineering analysis and calculation the length of the parallel side zones 10 and the distances between each successive parallel side zone 10 can vary.

The series of signs (40 through 49) depicted in Figs. 8 and 9 are representative of a system of signage providing information to drivers on the improved roadway 1 regarding the existence of and particulars regarding the parallel side zone system in place along the improved roadway 1. The first sign 40 informs the occupants of the vehicles that they are currently traveling on an improved roadway 1 which provides a parallel side zone system - and that the vehicles may be required to exit. The second sign 41, the third sign 42, and the fourth sign 43 each indicate the distance from the respective sign to the entrance of the next available parallel side zone 10. The fifth sign 44 instructs the slower moving vehicles 24 to exit onto the parallel side zone 10. The sixth sign 45 informs the vehicles' occupants that they are now on the parallel side zone 10. The seventh sign 46 and the eighth sign 47 inform the occupants of the vehicles of the posted speed limit while traveling on the parallel side zone 10. The ninth sign 48 warns the occupants of the vehicles on the passing zone road segment 4 that vehicles will be merging from the parallel side zone exit 11. The tenth sign 49 warns the occupants of vehicles on the parallel side zone exit 11 that they will be merging with vehicles on the road segment 4. More importantly, the tenth sign 49 instructs the occupants of the vehicles on the parallel side zone exit 11 (the slower moving vehicles 24) to yield to the vehicles on the passing zone road segment 4 (the faster moving vehicles 23). Since the slower moving vehicles 24 will yield to the faster moving vehicles 23 this ensures that the faster moving vehicles 23 will not encounter a slower moving vehicle 24 upon entering the post parallel side zone road segment 6. The system of signage is implemented to inform the occupants of the vehicles of the presence and location of parallel side zone 10, as well as direct the vehicles to the proper lanes, either the passing lane 9 or the road segment 4. The system of signage is also implemented to indicate the proper speed each vehicle should sustain. The system of signage is additionally implemented to provide predictability regarding the presence and location of subsequent parallel side zones 10. The system of signage further enhances the advantages of the improved roadway 1 and its parallel side zone system by ensuring that the faster moving vehicles 23 will enjoy travel unencumbered by the slower moving vehicles 24. If the faster moving vehicles 23 travel unencumbered past each parallel side zone 10 then the faster moving vehicles 23 are able to realize improved fuel economy. If the faster moving vehicles 23 realize improved fuel economy, then the faster moving vehicles 23 will produce fewer emissions. Additional signs might indicate the length of the parallel side zone 10 and the distance between subsequently located parallel side zones 10.

In operation, since most vehicles will travel at different rates of speed, faster moving vehicles 23 will tend to accumulate behind slower moving vehicles 24. Frequently however, the faster moving vehicles 23 will wish to regain their usual speed and attempt to pass the slower moving vehicles 24. Passing the slower moving vehicles 24 will require the faster moving vehicle 23 to enter the opposing direction traffic lane 8 - resulting in a potentially unsafe condition. Conversely, implementation of the improved roadway 1 or 13 with its parallel side zone system will alert the faster moving vehicles 23 as to when and where a parallel side zone 10 or 30 will be situated. This assures the driver of a faster moving vehicle 23 of when and where a safe and economical opportunity to pass the slower moving vehicles 24 will occur. Accordingly, the driver of the faster moving vehicle 23 will not be compelled or tempted to risk entering the opposing direction traffic lane 8, but instead will wait until he or she reaches the parallel side zone 10 or 30 to overtake the slower moving vehicles 24. Drivers of all vehicles will be alerted to the locations of the parallel side zone 10 or 30 by virtue of a reliable system of signage. A system of signs located along the improved roadway 1 will inform drivers that the roadway they are currently traveling on is equipped with a parallel side zone system. The signs also indicate the incremental distance between successive parallel side zones 10 or 30, and the distance to the next parallel side zone 10 or 30. To further enhance safety and economy, the improved roadway 1, providing a parallel side zone system, in some or all situations, might prohibit any vehicles from passing other vehicles on the opposing direction traffic lane 8, but only allow passing on the road segment passing zone lane 4.

Upon reaching the parallel side zone 10 or 30, it is preferred that the slower moving vehicles 24 be directed, by appropriate signs, onto the passing lane 9 or 20. The slower moving vehicles 24 enter the passing lane 9 or 20 and are separated from the faster moving vehicles 23. The faster moving vehicles 23 remain on the passing zone road segment 4 and proceed past the slower moving vehicles 24 onto the post parallel side zone road segment 6. Conversely, the slower moving vehicles 24 could proceed to the passing zone road segment 4 while the faster moving vehicles 23 exit onto the passing lane 9 or 20.

Fig. 10 depicts a straight section of the improved roadway 1 of the instant invention wherein the passing zone road segment 4 is separated from the passing lane 9 of a parallel side zone 10 by a double solid line 22 on the roadway or pavement. This is the least expensive, and least protective, method of separating the passing zone road segment 4 from the passing lane 9 of the improved roadway.

In Fig. 11, traffic flow, depicted by arrows as being from right to left, is shown entering a parallel side zone 10 which utilizes double solid lines 22 on the roadway or pavement to separate the passing zone road segment 4 from the passing lane 9. In Fig. 12, traffic flow, depicted by arrows as being from right to left, is shown exiting a parallel side zone 10 which utilizes double solid lines 22 on the roadway or pavement to separate the passing zone road segment 4 from the passing lane 9.

Fig. 13 depicts traffic flow (arrows) on a straight section of the improved roadway 1 of the instant invention wherein double solid lines 22 on the roadway or pavement are utilized to separate the passing zone road segment 4 from the passing lane 9. Additionally, the improved roadway of Fig. 13 provides a system of signage to provide information to drivers on the improved roadway 1 regarding the existence of and particulars regarding the parallel side zone system in place along the improved roadway 1 as previously discussed.

Fig. 14 depicts traffic flow (arrows) on a straight section of the improved roadway 1 of the instant invention wherein a wall or barrier 52 is utilized to separate the passing zone road segment 4 from the passing lane 9. Additionally, the improved roadway of Fig. 14 provides a system of signage to provide information to drivers on the improved roadway 1 regarding the existence of and particulars regarding the parallel side zone system in place along the improved roadway 1 as previously discussed.

Fig. 15 depicts a straight section of the improved roadway 1 providing regularly spaced parallel side zones 10 adjacent lanes going in both directions. As further seen in Fig. 15, some parallel side zones 10 may use a wall or barrier 52 is utilized to separate the passing zone road segment 4 from the passing lane 9 while other parallel side zones 10 utilize double solid lines 22 on the roadway or pavement to separate the passing zone road segment 4 from the passing lane 9, all within the same improved roadway 1. As yet further seen in Fig. 15, some parallel side zones 10 along the improved roadway 1 may provide a system of signage while other parallel side zones 10 do not. Fig. 16 depicts a curved section of the improved roadway 13 which is constructed on a mountainside having two peaks, 54 and 56. Above the improved roadway 13 in Fig. 16 is a valley 55. This precarious placement of the improved roadway 13 is typical of the rugged environment in which the instant invention provides its greatest benefit, enhanced safety to the traveler. The improved roadway 13 in Fig. 16 utilizes a wall or barrier 52 to to separate the passing zone road segments 4 from the passing lanes 9 and provides a substantial, buttressed wall 53 along the outside of the parallel side zones 10 located closest to the valley 55, opposite the face of the mountain, 54 and 56. Further, the improved roadway 13 in Fig. 16 provides reinforced barrier fencing 57 along the improved roadway 13 on the side opposite the face of the mountain, 54 and 56. The length of the passing lanes 9 or 20 will be calculated by highway engineers depending upon specific roadway or highway conditions and the localized terrain. However, in the best mode it is preferred that the length of the passing lanes 9 or 20 remain constant in regions of similar terrain, i.e. one length for rolling hills, a second length for flat terrain, and yet a third length for mountainous regions. It is additionally preferred to maintain constant the distance between each subsequent parallel side zone exit 11 and each subsequent parallel side zone entrance 7. The constant length of the passing lane 9 or 20 and the equidistant spacing of each parallel side zone exit 11 and each subsequent parallel side zone entrance 7 is to enhance the predictability of safe and fuel efficient passing opportunities. However, in an alternate preferred embodiment the length of each passing lane 9 or 20 may vary, as may the spacing between each subsequent parallel side zone entrance 7 and each subsequent parallel side zone exit 11. What cannot be varied, however, is the predictability of the existence of each parallel side zone 10 or 30. After the slower moving vehicles 24 enter the passing lane 9 or 20, they will proceed to the end of the passing lane 9 or 20, to the parallel side zone exit 11, and reenter the improved roadway 1 at the post parallel side zone road segment 6. Having reentered the improved roadway 1, the slower moving vehicles 24 are now behind the faster moving vehicles 23 (Figure 5); without the faster moving vehicles 23 needlessly accelerating or entering the opposing direction traffic lane 8.

Since obvious changes in the specific embodiment of the invention described herein may be made by one skilled in the art, such modifications are to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention claimed, and it is indicated that all matter contained herein is intended as illustrative and not as limiting in scope.

Industrial Application

The parallel side zone system can be combined with the construction of new roadways or highways, or can be added to existing roadways or highways, without a vast additional capital expenditure. The parallel side zone system requires adding only 10% to 15% of vehicular travel surface to an existing or new roadway or highway to^* receive the added benefits of improved safety, reduced vehicular emissions, greater vehicular fuel economy, a reduction in travel time, and enhanced travel convenience. The benefits of implementation of the parallel side zone system are greater than a simple one to one correspondence to increase in the cost of the roadway. Thus, a 10% increase in cost of the construction of the roadway yields a greater than 10% benefit, in terms of safety, fuel economy, and exhaust emissions. This non-linear benefit is especially advantageous in developing countries where major metropolitan areas are connected by long stretches of dangerous and or curving roadways or highways that are heavily traveled and over loaded. Accidents, congestion, and pollution are part of the prevailing conditions found on the traditional two-lane roadways in the developing countries of the world. According to the police statistics released to a local press in Malaysia on January 22, 1999, road accidents on. both four-lane roadways and two-lane roadways during the nine day survey period were eighteen cases and four hundred seventy-seven cases, respectively, involving one hundred twenty-nine deaths. The number of accidents on traditional two-lane roads was 2,650% higher than the number on four-lane highways. The JC Parallel Side Zone System could remedy the situation.

Installing the JC Parallel Side Zone System in developing countries can minimize capital expenditures and reduce the emissions problems that plague many developing countries. Additionally, an efficient roadway or highway system is vital to aid developing countries improve their economies. Since an economy is based on trade and the reliable transportation of trade and trade representatives, an improved roadway or highway system can help these developing countries maintain their current economic status and foster new economic growth which will help grow the overall economy. Furthermore, these improvements can be attained and vehicular fuel consumption and vehicular emissions can be reduced through application of the instant invention.

Claims

Claims I claim:

Claim 1. An improved roadway system comprising a lane suitable for vehicular use and a plurality of passing zone segments wherein said lane provides a surface suitable for single file, unidirectional vehicular traffic flow; each said passing zone segment provides a surface suitable for single file, vehicular traffic in the direction of said unidirectional vehicular traffic flow; each said passing zone segment provides an entrance for vehicular communication with said lane and an exit for vehicular communication with said lane; and said passing zone segments are sequentially disposed at a repetitive interval along said lane.

Claim 2. The improved roadway system of claim 1 wherein each of said entrances are equidistant from the one of said entrances next encountered by said unidirectional vehicular traffic flow.

Claim 3. The improved roadway system of claim 1 wherein each of said exits are equidistant from the one of said entrances next encountered by said unidirectional vehicular traffic flow.

Claim 4. The improved roadway system of claim 1 wherein each of said exits are equidistant from the one of said exits next encountered by said unidirectional vehicular traffic flow.

Claim 5. The improved roadway system of claim 1 further providing a system of signage wherein said system of signage is comprised of individual signs, said signs are disposed adjacent said roadway, and said signs each indicate the distance from said individual sign to the next said passing zone segment, and said signs indicate the distance from one said passing zone segment to the next sequential passing zone segment.