A contraflow bus lane is a dedicated lane on a one-way street or roadway where buses are allowed to travel in the opposite direction to the general flow of other vehicular traffic. This special lane enables buses to bypass congestion, reduce travel times, and improve public transport efficiency.
What is a Contraflow Bus Lane?
- A contraflow bus lane allows buses to operate against the normal one-way traffic direction on a road or street, effectively making the street two-way for buses but one-way for other vehicles.
- These lanes are typically marked with specific signs and road markings to alert drivers and ensure safety.
- Contraflow bus lanes are often separated from general traffic lanes by road markings or barriers to prevent unauthorized use.
Benefits
- They improve bus route connectivity and shorten travel times by allowing direct routing that avoids traffic bottlenecks.
- By enabling buses to avoid standby in general traffic, public transport efficiency increases.
- They help in making better use of existing road space and reduce congestion in urban areas.
Design and Safety
- Contraflow lane markings usually include a double yellow centerline or buffer zone physically or visually separating the bus lane from opposing traffic.
- Signage like a "ONE WAY EXCEPT BUSES" sign and "BUS ONLY" pavement markings are used to notify and deter other vehicles from using these lanes.
- Often, the preferred width is about 22 to 24 feet to allow buses to safely pass each other and stopped vehicles.
- Enforcement is essential to maintain the lane's exclusivity and integrity.
Typical Context
- Found in urban areas, especially on one-way streets.
- Sometimes combined with contraflow cycle lanes.
- The contraflow bus lane sign is typically a blue rectangular sign showing a bus icon and directional arrows indicating the lane runs opposite the general traffic flow.
Driver Awareness
- Non-bus drivers should never enter a contraflow bus lane.
- Drivers should be vigilant as buses may approach from the opposite direction in an adjacent lane.
- If a driver accidentally enters a contraflow bus lane, they should safely and promptly return to the regular traffic lane to avoid obstructing buses or causing accidents.
In essence, contraflow bus lanes are a carefully designed traffic management strategy aimed at prioritizing bus transit by allowing buses to travel opposite to the direction of other traffic in designated lanes on one-way streets, improving transit speed and efficiency while ensuring safety through clear signage and lane markings.
