Understanding lane choice: the role of express lanes on traffic distribution in general-purpose lanes

Express lanes (ELs) help mitigate congestion by offering a faster and more reliable travel option through dynamic tolling and limited access points on freeways. Given their growing prevalence, it is important to understand how ELs affect the usage of adjacent general-purpose lanes (GPLs). This study investigates the influence of ELs on the utilization of the inside lane in adjacent GPLs. The research employed a comparative cross-sectional design to analyze lane utilization at specific sites along I-95 with ELs, comparing them to selected sites without ELs. Hypothesis testing was performed at a 95% confidence level to evaluate whether the differences in inside-lane usage between ELs and non-ELs segments were statistically significant. Traffic volume data were collected from the Regional Integrated Transportation Information System (RITIS) over a 3-month period, from January 1st to March 31st, 2023, and were analyzed separately for 4-lane and 5-lane facilities. The results showed that in a 4-lane facility, the inside GPL was consistently used, with ELs having little impact on its use. However, in a 5-lane facility, the inside GPL was more heavily utilized when ELs were present. The study findings provide insights into lane utilization patterns, essential for optimizing traffic flow and lane management strategies. Understanding driver behavior and lane preferences is crucial for transportation planners and policymakers in developing effective lane management and traffic control strategies.