Enhancement of road safety: a proposed revision of the regulations for the design of public roads in Croatia
Last modified: 2024-04-10
Abstract
The current Croatian Regulation for the design of highways and rural roads is outdated, dating back to 2001. The regulation is based on outdated assumptions that no longer reflect the prevailing traffic conditions. Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicles on Croatian roads, accompanied by a corresponding rise in vehicle dimensions and weight. This evolving traffic landscape necessitates a reassessment of the fundamental premises upon which the regulation is predicated and a consequent revision of its provisions.
To address this need, a comprehensive analysis of neighbouring countries' regulations and guidelines, including Slovenia, Austria and Germany, was undertaken. This comparative analysis revealed a common approach to classifying roads based on their intended function and maximum permitted speed. Building upon this insight, a proposal for design classes of the national network is presented. Highways are divided into three classes (AC-1, AC-2, AC-3) according to their maximum permitted speed, while rural roads are categorized into five classes (CIN-1 to CIN-5) based on their intended function and maximum permitted speed.
For each design class, a distinctive cross-sectional profile appearance is defined, encompassing geometric elements such as traffic lane, shoulder, and median. These proposed profile appearances are tailored to the specific requirements of each design class, ensuring that the road infrastructure aligns with the expected traffic volumes and characteristics. The potential impact of adopting design classes on the existing built network of state roads is thoroughly examined. The analysis reveals that the application of design classes can significantly enhance traffic safety without necessitating extensive reconstruction of existing road infrastructure.
In conclusion, the proposed revision of the Croatian Regulation adopts a modern approach that aligns with international standards and best practices. The introduction of design classes, along with the corresponding typical cross-section profile, will contribute to a safer and more efficient road network across Croatia.
To address this need, a comprehensive analysis of neighbouring countries' regulations and guidelines, including Slovenia, Austria and Germany, was undertaken. This comparative analysis revealed a common approach to classifying roads based on their intended function and maximum permitted speed. Building upon this insight, a proposal for design classes of the national network is presented. Highways are divided into three classes (AC-1, AC-2, AC-3) according to their maximum permitted speed, while rural roads are categorized into five classes (CIN-1 to CIN-5) based on their intended function and maximum permitted speed.
For each design class, a distinctive cross-sectional profile appearance is defined, encompassing geometric elements such as traffic lane, shoulder, and median. These proposed profile appearances are tailored to the specific requirements of each design class, ensuring that the road infrastructure aligns with the expected traffic volumes and characteristics. The potential impact of adopting design classes on the existing built network of state roads is thoroughly examined. The analysis reveals that the application of design classes can significantly enhance traffic safety without necessitating extensive reconstruction of existing road infrastructure.
In conclusion, the proposed revision of the Croatian Regulation adopts a modern approach that aligns with international standards and best practices. The introduction of design classes, along with the corresponding typical cross-section profile, will contribute to a safer and more efficient road network across Croatia.
Keywords
regulations, road design, design class