Developing a Channelization Plan

Channelization is more of an art rather than science. Every intersection requires a special study because of variations in physical dimensions, turning movements, traffic and pedestrian volumes, type of traffic control etc.
In the next step several island configurations are considered and compared. Then a choice is made between curbed, raised islands and flush Channelization or pavement markings.
Next it must be checked that the design is compatible to handle turning movements of large vehicles. Also, it should be such that the vehicles are guided in normal wheel paths, so that the island does not create an obstruction in the roadway.
Signing and marking are redesigned to guide drivers and avoid confusion.
The final plan includes details of civil and electrical engineering features (like drainage facilities, curbs, lighting, signals etc.) required for the project completion.

Typical Channelization Examples

Some typical Channelization ways used in practice are as given below. Figs. 1 to 12 indicate both normal Channelization and high type Channelization techniques for various intersections and situations.

**Figure 1:** Channelization for Y Intersections, (a)For low Flows
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionYlow.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 2:** Channelization for Y Intersections, (b)For High Flows
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionYhigh.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 3:** Channelization for T Intersections, (a)For low Flows
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionTlow.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 4:** Channelization for T Intersections, (b)For High Flows
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionThigh.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 5:** Channelization for T or Y Intersections (Channelized-High Type)
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionTYa.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 6:** Channelization for T or Y Intersections (Channelized-High Type)
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionTYb.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 7:** Channelization for T or Y Intersections (Channelized-High Type)
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionTorYa.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 8:** Channelization for T or Y Intersections (Channelized-High Type)
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionTorYb.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 9:** Channelization for 4-Leg Intersections (Channelized-High Type)
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersection4Lega.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 10:** Channelization for 4-Leg Intersections (Channelized-High Type)
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersection4Legb.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 11:** Channelization for Multi - leg Intersections
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionMultiLega.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$

**Figure 12:** Channelization for Multi - leg Intersections
$\begin{figure} \centerline{\epsfig{file=qfChanIntersectionMultiLegb.eps,width=8cm}} \end{figure}$