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2+1 Roads – Swedish Innovation – Canadian Rural Road Solution?

Author(s): Wilson

Slidedeck Presentation:

1B Wilson

Abstract:

Background:

We are a road safety advocacy group called GEMS (Going the Extra Mile for safety) in Northeastern Ontario.

We having been advocating for a safer Trans-Canada Highway through our area and the success of the 2+1 system in Sweden seemed very interesting. We researched the model and decided that we should have a closer look at how the system works in Sweden and Ireland to be able to present to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. This resulted in a research tour to Sweden and Ireland to find out more about 2+1 roads.

Aims:

The aim of the research tour was to better understand the design, construction and function of 2+1 roads. With the results of the tours we can better advocate for a 2+1 pilot project in Northern Ontario.

Methods:

The research consisted of an extensive literature review prior to the travel to Europe. In both Ireland and Sweden meetings and tours were arranged with officials from Road Authorities, Research organizations, construction companies and maintenance contractors. To adequately determine how the 2+1 model performs in winter , a second tour was taken to Sweden during the winter in December 2018

Results:

Generally the findings were that 2+1 roads have been very successful in both Sweden and Ireland. In both countries, the incidence of crossover collisions have been reduced drastically and fatality rates have dropped from 50 to 75% on rural roads. Sweden continues to build 2+1 roads and now has over 3000 km of this road design.

Discussion:

We learned that the principle behind the first 2+1 roads in Sweden was the transformative Vision Zero road safety program. The only minor limitation on the tours in Sweden were covering the distances required to meet officials in various parts of the country, particularly during winter travel. The officials from both countries were very hospitable and shared significant amounts of information. The next steps for our project are to continue to advocate for a pilot project at higher levels of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

Conclusions:

2+1 roads are a surprisingly controversial topic in the field of road design. It is perhaps the simplicity and the economy of their design that make them controversial. Perhaps it is that we are not used to having a barrier down the middle of our two lane highways. However, there can be no denying that they are very effective at reducing fatalities and serious injuries and they are excellent at preventing anxious drivers from making mistakes.