Abstract
This paper compares government-specified road-diet thresholds in traffic volume to peak daily traffic data from Placer.ai visitation data in the segment of US 50 from Stateline to Round Mound. In all cases, maximum thresholds were handily exceeded during peak season. Moreover, road diets are designed to improve pedestrian safety and crash severity in urban settings. They were never designed for rural settings, especially on alpine arterial highways. Using FHWA language, we must conclude that US 50 is not a “good candidate” for a road diet, and further consideration would not be warranted.
➔ Read January 2024 update – US 50 Road Diet Violates Federal Guidelines
