The location of U-turn bays is an important consideration in indirect driveway left-turn treatments.In order to improve the performance of right-turns followed by U-turns（RTUTs）,this study evaluates the impacts of the separation distances between driveway exits and downstream U-turn locations on the safety and operational performance of vehicles making RTUTs.Crash data are investigated at 179 selected roadway segments,and travel time data are measured using video cameras at 29 locations in the state of Florida,USA.Crash rate models and travel time models are developed based on data collected in the field.It is found that the separation distance between driveway exits and downstream U-turn locations significantly impacts the safety and operational performance of vehicles making right turns followed by U-turns.Based on the research results,the minimum and optimal separation distances between driveways and U-turn locations under different roadway conditions are determined to facilitate driver use of RTUTs.The results of this study can be used for future intersection improvement projects in China.
