The intersection of Jhongjheng 1st Road and the western frontage road of the freeway is a high-risk traffic hotspot in Kaohsiung, with a majority of accidents involving sideswipes. After conducting traffic volume surveys and collision diagram analyses, the Transportation Bureau held a press conference today (14th) on-site to present the “Improvement Plan for the Southbound Off-Ramp of the Jhongjheng Interchange and At-Grade Signalized Intersection.” The Bureau outlined the current traffic bottlenecks and proposed optimization measures. Given the numerous adjustments to traffic flows, public participation is encouraged to collect opinions from road users.
According to the Transportation Bureau, the intersection of Jhongjheng 1st Road and the freeway’s western frontage road in Lingya District ranks as the second most accident-prone intersection in the city. The high accident rate has long been attributed to the complex weaving of traffic flows. Analysis indicates that the main issues are frequent collisions on the ramps and insufficient merge length for vehicles turning right from the frontage road.
Traffic turning movement data show that approximately 60% of vehicles from the southbound off-ramp turn right onto Jhongjheng 1st Road, while about 75% of vehicles on the southbound at-grade frontage road need to veer left to enter the ramp. This weaving of traffic streams significantly increases the risk of collisions. Based on these turning characteristics, the Transportation Bureau proposes the following four improvement measures:
Optimization of Road Markings and Guidance: Colored pavement markings and intuitive signage will be introduced to guide vehicles along the planned paths. Physical and painted channelization islands will be added to clearly delineate lane use, thereby reducing conflicts caused by lane cutting or competition.
Extension of Merge Length: For vehicles turning right from the southbound off-ramp, the merge length into Jhongjheng 1st Road will be extended to enhance merging efficiency and safety, and to mitigate traffic congestion.
Enhancement of Pedestrian Safety Facilities: The physical channelization island at the northwest corner of the intersection will be redesigned. New pedestrian pathways, pedestrian-activated signals, and refuge islands will be installed to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
Signal Phase Separation and Timing Adjustment: Signal designs will be adjusted to fully separate vehicle flows from the southbound off-ramp and the at-grade frontage road. Clearance intervals will also be extended to ensure smoother traffic flow.
The Transportation Bureau added that traffic simulation assessments suggest a significant improvement in overall traffic efficiency upon implementation of these measures. By streamlining traffic flows and clearly defining movement paths, the risk of traffic accidents can be reduced, congestion eased, and pedestrian safety markedly improved. The Bureau will continue by convening briefings with relevant agencies to build consensus and develop a safer, smoother road environment.
Transportation Bureau Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tbkcdream — Public discussion is welcome.
