Chapter 5-Highway Geometric Design

Chapter 5 HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN
5.1 GENERAL
Project road from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal is divided into two sections, viz.
Section I: Chennai Port to Koyambedu Ch: 0+000 to Ch: 14+227 Total length
14.227 Km including the ramps at Koyambedu and realignment of NH4 from Km
8+350 to Km Km 8+940.
Section II: Koyambedu to Maduravoyal Widening of NH4 from Km 9/460 to 9/900
and elevated road along NH 4 from Km 14+227 to Km 17+543 (Km 9+900 to Km
13+216 of NH4) Total length 3.316 Km.
Project road along section I pass through along Cooum River bank, entirely on Plain
terrain with elevation varying from 1m at the start point and 12m at Koyambedu (1 in
1600). However river follows a curvy path through. Hence the vertical profile is very
smooth, but the horizontal profile is not. More over the alignment has to pass through
the strip of land between the river water way and river bank outer edge. Similarly along
section II, project road pass entirely along NH4, this is on plain terrain. Construction of
Koyambedu Interchange and widening of NH4 from Km 9/200 to 13/800 is proposed, right
of way is already acquired and work is at the initial stage. Constructing the elevated
road along the median of NH4 till Maduravoyal needs careful analysis and design. Major
constraints in geometric design are listed below.
Accommodating the horizontal geometry of the project road within the river banks
on Section I.
Total of 11 road bridges and two railway bridges are present across the Cooum
River (one every 1.2 Km), which carry the city traffic. These bridges are at a
height of 3 to 5m from the river bank. Sufficient clearance has to be provided for
enabling the traffic flow on these bridges.
Geometry of the elevated road in Section II should be such that it gels well with
the proposed design of the Koyambedu interchange and NH4, for which work is
already awarded. No alteration in the design of Koyambedu interchange is
possible.
Alignment along NH4 should strictly follow the proposed centre line in horizontal
geometrics and should have minimum 5.5m clear clearance above the NH4 road
level in vertical geometrics. This will enable a two tier traffic flow along NH4 with
minimum land additional acquisition.
This chapter discusses in detail about the design standard and proposed geometry of the
project road.
5.2 GEOMETRIC DESIGN STANDARDS
Geometric design for a highway is dictated by the land availability, requirements of
traffic and economic considerations. The geometric design involves design of several
elements such as horizontal alignment, vertical profile, sight distance considerations,
cross sectional elements, vertical clearances, intersection treatment, control of access,
etc. The safety, efficiency, economy, and comfort of vehicle operation are governed by
the adequacy of geometric standards used for a specific highway facility.
For the purpose of formulating design standards, the Consultant has followed the design
standards given in IRC codes and its special publications. Wherever the said standards
are silent, the following standards are being referred to, the one considered the best, and
relevant has been adopted.
Wilbur Smith Associates Pvt. Ltd. Ch: 5/1 National Highways Authority
of India
Consultancy Services to carryout Feasibility Study Cum Preliminary Design for Final Feasibility
Report
4 lane elevated expressway from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal on NH-4
American Association for State Highway Transport Officials (AASHTO) standards

British standards
Any other National or International standard as considered suitable
The majority of guidelines have been extracted from the following codes for the
formulation of design standards:-
IRC: 73 1980, Geometric design for Rural Highways
IRC: SP 23 Vertical Curves for Highways
IRC: SP-41-1994 Guidelines for the design of At-Grade intersection in rural &
urban areas
IRC: 54-1974 Lateral & Vertical clearances at underpasses for vehicular traffic.
IRC: 32-1969 Standard for vertical & horizontal clearances of overhead electric
power and telecommunication lines as related to roads
IRC: 98-1997 Guidelines on accommodation of utility services on roads in urban
areas.
IRC: SP-42-1994 Guidelines on road drainage.
IRC: 35-1997 Code of practice for road markings
IRC: 67-2001 Code of practice for road signs
The design standards will broadly encompass the following parameters:-
Design speed
Minimum radius and transition length of horizontal curves, extra widening, and
super elevation.
Minimum and ruling gradient for longitudinal slope, length of vertical curve and
sight distance, maximum grade difference not warranting vertical curves.
Width of carriageway / shoulder / median / kerb / service road/ footpath etc.
Cross fall / camber.
Minimum turning radius, approach sight distance at intersections etc.
Geometric design of the project road was carried out with the aid of advanced CAD
techniques, using the suitable design software, viz. MX / MOSS with GENIO format/ MOSS
with AutoCAD. The output of the topographic survey, and the resulting digital terrain
model covering the ROW, was the base for geometric design.
Preliminary alignment design on satellite imageries revealed that the maximum design
speed that is feasible is 80 Kmph, except at some locations, where 65 to 50 Kmph speed
has to be adopted due to land constraints. Better level of service can be achieved with
these design speed as the project road is fully elevated. Design parameters for various
highway elements are presented in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1: Design Parameters of Highway Design Elements
Sl. No Description IRC Standards

1 Design speed Max Min 80 50 km/hr
Carriageway width in one Section I: 8.5 m (2x3.5 m + 1.5m)

2
direction Section II 7.0 m (2x3.5 m)
3 Median Width Section I: Nil (Separate two lane
carriageways)
of India
Report
Sl. No Description IRC Standards

Section II 1.00m
Section I: 1.50 m
4 Paved shoulder width
Section II Nil
5 Shy away on median edge 0.25 m
6 Shy away on divider edges 0.25 m
7 Crash Barrier 0.5 m
Cross-slopes Carriageway 2.0 %
8
Paved shoulder 2.0 %
9 Maximum super elevation 4.0 %
For 80 Km/hr 230 m
Minimum horizontal curve
10 For 65 Km/hr 155 m
radius
For 50 Kmph 80 m
For 80 Km/hr 1100 m
Radii beyond which super
11 For 65 Km/hr 750 m
elevation not required
For 50 Kmph 550 m
Transition curves to be used with length of spiral more than or equal to
12
length of super elevation runoff
Ruling Gradient
3.3 %
Limiting Gradient
13 Gradient 5.0 %
Exceptional
6.7%
Gradient
Min. curve Max. grade
Design Speed
length change
Minimum Length of Vertical
14 Curves / Grade change not 80 km/hr 50m 0.6%
requiring vertical curve 65 km/hr 40m 0.8%
50 Km/Hr 30m 1.2%
For design Speed Crest Sag
Vertical curve K values
80 km/hr 33 26
15 Crest vertical curve/Sag
65 km/hr 19 18
vertical curve
50 Km/hr 10 09
Road over road 5.5 m
Road over railway 6.525 m

16 Vertical clearance Electrical lines 6.0m (Up to 650 V)
H.T. Electrical lines 6.5m (More than 650 V)
Telecommunication 5.5m (Up to 110 V)

Lines
All the entry/exit ramps are designed for a speed of 50 Kmph, with ruling gradient of
3.5%.
of India
Report
5.3 PROPOSED GEOMETRY

Project road, being a fully elevated road, geometric design is critically guided by the
structural design considerations. Length of horizontal and vertical elements should
match with the span arrangements. Following considerations were taken during design.
Length of horizontal and vertical geometry elements (curves and Straights) were
kept as multiples of respective span arrangements wherever possible. This will
reduce the number of non uniform spans and result in easy casting at site.
Points of contra flexure vertical and horizontal geometry were either kept same or
within the longer ones through out the alignment. This will enable better design,
easy construction and better stability of the project road.
Proposed geometry of the project road is discussed below.
5.3.1 HORIZONTAL GEOMETRY
Section I: Chennai Port to Koyembedu
Horizontal geometry strictly follows within the river waterway and outer bank edges
through out. Horizontal geometry complies with the design speed of 80 Kmph, except at
the following locations due to the curvy river path and less scope for acquiring private
land.
At the entry to Chennai Port area at Km 0+200.
At 4+190 after Adhithanar Bridge.
After crossing Ethiraj Salai (Binny Bridge) at Km 5+600.
At Km 9+560 after crossing Choolaimeedu Railway bridge.
At Km 10+100.
Before Arumbakkam Bridge at Km 12+680.
All the above locations comply with the design speed of 65 Kmph.
Section II: Koyembedu to Maduravoyal
Horizontal geometry of this section is strictly followed the alignment of NH 4. Except at
two locations, where design speed is 50 Kmph, 65 Km design speed is maintained
(through the radius of curvature is minimum 230 m, which will comply to 80 Kmph, the
limitations in the provision of sufficient transition lengths restrict the design speed to 65
Kmph).
Summary of horizontal geometry is presented below in Table 5.2 and details are
presented in Annexure 5.1.
Table 5.2: Summary of Proposed Horizontal Geometry

No. of Length of
Sl No. Radius Curves curves
1 <155m - 290
2 155-230m 6 1556.270
3 230-360m 13 2424.060
4 360-500m 4 1342.160
5 500-1000 2 500.000
6 >1000 2 584.730
Straight
7 7529.780
Stretches
Total Length: 14227.000
1 <155m 2 100.151
2 155-230m - -
of India
View of Koyembedu Bridge at Km 8/800 of View of HT line running perpendicular to
IRR towards Maduravoyal Koyembedu Bridge at Km 8/800 of IRR towards
Maduravoyal
Report
3 230-360m 5 676.624
4 360-500m 1 149.938
5 500-1000 2 463.750
6 >1000 1 228.415
Straight
7 1697.122
Stretches
Total Length: 3316
Table 5.2 show that 87% of the project road length complies with 80 Kmph design speed,
10% complies with 65 Kmph and rest with 50 Kmph. Proposed signages will be provided
to warn the drivers of the speed reduction zones along the project road.
5.3.2 Vertical Geometry
River banks in section I and NH4 in section II follow a very flat vertical profile for the
entire length. Hence vertical geometry of the project road is proposed to follow a
concentric profile, at the specified clearance. However at 14 locations in section I, where
alignment crosses existing bridges, vertical profile changes to cross at sufficient
clearance. Following are the general guidelines followed.
Clear vertical clearance of 5.5 m is proposed from the existing ground through
out.
At crossing point of road bridges, vertical alignment contra flexes to reach clear
clearance of 5.5 m from the bridge road level.
At crossing point of railway tracks, project road pass over it at a clear clearance of
6.525 m.
At section II, clearance of 5.5m is maintained for the two tier traffic movement.
All the gradients along the elevated highway are limited to the ruling gradient of 3.3%.
Vertical curves are designed for a speed of 80 Kmph consistently. Summary of vertical
geometry is given in Table 5.3 and details are presented in Annexure 5.2.
Table 5.3: Summary of Proposed Vertical Geometry

Gradients
Length (m)
Sl No. Gradient (%)
Left Carriageway Right Carriageway
1 <1 10214.600 10214.600

2 1-3 2899.700 2899.700
3 3-4 118.040 118.040
Vertical Curves
Sl No. K Value Left Carriageway Right Carriageway
1 <25 80.000 80.000
2 25-35 810.657 810.657
3 35-45 104.000 104.000
4 >45 - -
Gradients
Length (m)
Sl No. Gradient (%)
Left Carriageway Right Carriageway
1 <1 2989.519 2989.519
of India
Report
2 1-3 - -
3 3-4 113.131 113.131
Vertical Curves
Sl No. K Value Left Carriageway Right Carriageway
1 <25 - -
2 25-35 213.350 213.350
3 35-45 - -
4 >45 - -
5.4 TYPICAL CROSS SECTIONS

Five typical cross sections are proposed for the project alignment from Koyambedu to
Maduravoyal as given below.
TCS A: Typical Cross Section of NH4 with Entry and Exit Ramp approaches for Road
Stretch before Koyambedu Interchange - at Km 8/525 of NH4.
TCS B: Typical Cross Section of NH4 between Koyambedu Interchange approaches
and Entry/Exit Ramp Approaches From Km 8/750 to Km 8/940 of NH4.
TCS C: Typical Cross Section showing at grade improvements to NH4 from Km
9/460 to Km 9/565.
TCS D: Typical Cross Section showing at grade improvements to NH4 from Km
9/565 to Km 9/900.
TCS E: Typical Cross Section of NH4 with Elevated Road along the median from
Koyambedu to Maduravoyal in two phases i.e. Phase I: During construction of
elevated road and Phase II: After construction of elevated road From Km 9/900 to
Km 12/900 of NH4.
TCS F: Typical Cross Section of NH4 from Koyambedu to Maduravoyal for elevated
road approaches (Design km 14+227 to 14+560 & Km 17+200 to Km 17+544 of
elevated road).
Typical cross sections are shown in Figure 5.1 to 5.6.
5.5 ROAD FURNITURE
Traffic signs, road markings, and lighting are important features of traffic safety. These
devices provide vital information to drivers, and ensure increased safety and efficiency in
free flow of traffic. The standard road markings and traffic signs give information about
highway routes, directions, and destinations. These also give information on special
obligations, prohibitions, and restrictions and caution about the existence of any
hazardous conditions on or adjacent to the roadway. IRC standards for both markings
and signs are adopted.
5.5.1 ROAD MARKINGS
The ordinary paint for markings takes a long time to dry and has a short life (3/6
months). Thermoplastic paint mixed with retro-reflective beads has long life, night
visibility and its drying period is very short. In view of these advantages retro-reflective
thermoplastic paint is proposed for use. The specifications and standards for road
markings are as per IRC: 35 1997.
of India
Consultancy Services to carryout Feasibility Study Cum Preliminary Design for Final
Feasibility Report
51000
250
250
250
250
250
250
150 0 7 000 50 0 70 00 5 00 500 70 00 500
PRO PO SED SE RVI CE RO AD
250
250
250
250
FO O T PA TH CONCRETE CRASH BARRIER
10 00 1 0500 10 00 1 050 0 10 00
BU I LDI N G EXI STI N G C ARRI AG EW AY EXI ST I NG CAR RI AG EW AY
PRO PER TY LI N E
RETAINING WAL L
RETAINING W AL L
EXIT RAMP ENTRY RAMP
Figure 5.1: Typical Cross Section TCS A (Existing km 8+300 to Km 8+750 of NH-4)
47000 ROW
FOOTPATH
FOOTPATH
27000 20000
1500 1500
/ DRAIN
/ DRAIN
1000
RCC DRAIN RCC DRAIN
Figure 5.2: Typical Cross Section TCS B (Existing km 8+750 to km 8+940 of NH-4)
52000
FOOTPATH
FOOTPATH
1500 7500 600 15500 1000 15500 600 7500 1500

DRAIN /
DRAIN /
SERVICE ROAD CONCRETE CRASH BARRIER PROPOSED CARRIAGEWAY SERVICE ROAD
PEDESTRIAN PEDESTRIAN
GAURD RAIL NEW JERSY TYPE BARRIER NEW JERSY TYPE BARRIER GAURD RAIL
0
00
2
2
CMWSSB CMWSSB
PIPELINE PIPELINE
00
0
of India
Feasibility Report
Figure 5.3: Typical Cross Section TCS C (Existing km 9/460 to km 9/565 of NH-4)
FOOTPATH 50000
FOOTPATH
1500 7500 600 14500 1000 14500 600 7500 1500
DRAIN /
DRAIN /
SERVICE ROAD CONCRETE CRASH BARRIER PROPOSED CARRIAGEWAY SERVICE ROAD
00
0
2
2
CMWSSB CMWSSB
PIPELINE PIPELINE
00
0
Figure 5.4: Typical Cross Section TCS D (Existing km 9/565 to km 9/900 of NH-4)
35000
ROW
FOOTPATH
FOOTPATH
1500 7500 17000 7500 1500
DRAIN /
DRAIN /
CARRIAGEWAY FOR CARRIAGEWAY FOR
TRAFFIC TRAFFIC
WORKING SPACE FOR ELEVATED ROAD

2.5% 2.5%
GAURD RAIL GAURD RAIL
2
CMWSSB PIPELINE
00
0
Phase I: During Construction of Elevated
Road
of India
Feasibility Report
35000
ROW
17000
500 7500 1000 7500 500
2200
2000
4000
1500 5500 600 7500 4500 7500 600 5500 1500

SERVICE ROAD PROPOSED CARRIAGEWAY PROPOSED CARRIAGEWAY SERVICE ROAD
FOOTPATH
FOOTPATH
2000
DRAIN /
DRAIN /
GUARD RAILING
975
2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5%
2 0
CMWSSB
PIPELINE
00
Phase II: After Construction of Elevated
Figure 5.5: Typical Cross Section TCS E (Design km 14+560 to 17+200 of Elevated
road)
of India
Feasibility Report
43500
ROW
17000
500 7500 1000 7500 500
FO O TPATH
FO O TPATH
1500 5500 600 7500 7500 600 5500 1500
SERVICE ROAD SERVICE ROAD
D R A IN /
D R A IN /
PEDESTRIAN RCC WALL EARTH FILL RCC WALL PEDESTRIAN

CMWSSB
PIPELINE
Figure 5.6: Typical Cross Section TCS F - (Design km 14+227 to 14+560 & Km 17+200 to Km 17+544 of Elevated Road)
Wilbur Smith Associates Pvt. Ltd. Ch: National Highways Authority

of India 5/10
Report
Lane markings are provided with Thermoplastic paint mixed with retro-reflective beads
throughout. The lane markings are provided at 3.5m lane width, the markings are 1.5m
continuous and 3m gap. Edge markings are provided at the pavement edge (7m) and at
median edges. The markings are continuous strip of painting with breaks at the
junctions. Other markings, viz, island marking, warning lines, chevron markings and
directional arrows, etc. are provided at suitable locations. The typical details of all the
markings proposed for the project road are shown in Highway Drawings.
5.5.2 Traffic Signs
For the same reasons as mentioned in markings the recommended material for road
signs is a retro-reflectorised plastic flexible sheet. The major advantage of this type of
material is that the color and legend is as legible at night as during the daytime.
Various traffic signs, viz, regulatory, cautionary and information signs are provided in the
project road at curves, intersections, median openings and at all necessary places. The
specifications and standards for traffic signs are as per IRC: 67-2001. Chevron signs
guide the vehicle through sharp curves, by indicating the curve curvature. Chevron signs
are proposed at curve locations with radius less than 230m, as they are designed for a
lesser speed. Signs are placed from start to end of each curve; spacing is decided by the
curve radius as IRC: 79-1981.
5.5.3 Kilometre Stones
Kilometer stones and 200 m stones are provided on both directions of traffic to know the
destination easily by the drivers. The standards and specification for the Highway
Kilometre stones is as per IRC: 8-1980 and the 200m stone are provided as per IRC: 26-
1967. Boundary stones are provided as per IRC: 25-1967 along NH4.
5.5.4 Highway Lighting
Comprehensive highway lighting is proposed for the project road. Along the entire length
of the elevated highway and entry/exit ramps, 9m high street light pole with 1 x 250
watts Metal Halide lanterns are proposed at a spacing of 30m c/c on the outer crash
barriers of each carriageway structure. In addition 30m high mast pole with 8 x 1000
watts Metal Halide lanterns are proposed at the start and end points. IS 1944 (Part I and
II) 1970 will be followed in regard to lighting installations.
5.5.5 Toll Plaza
Two toll plazas are proposed along the project road. One toll plaza is proposed at Km
8+500 on the elevated road and will have a total of six lanes, which includes 4 tolling
lanes and two free lanes. Second toll plaza is proposed at Km 13/300 of NH4 at ground.
Total of 14 lanes are proposed at this location considering the high traffic density. This
toll plaza will have 6 toll lanes, 2 lanes toll free lanes for the flow of traffic that has
already paid toll at the other toll plaza, and 6 free lanes for the passage of the traffic that
not use the elevated road between Maduravoyal and Koyambedu.
Open System of toll collection shall be provided on the Project Highway with collection
of user fee from vehicles only at the toll plaza. There shall be a total of minimum 6 (Six)
lanes having a semi-automatic system of toll collection comprising equipments for
registering of vehicle classification, ticket issuing, data processing and power supply.
Appropriate technology for Toll Collection including Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) shall
be used so that not more than 6 vehicles/Lane queue up in the peak hours during the
entire concession period.
Summary of traffic signs and road furniture proposed along the project road are given in
Table 5.4.
Table 5.4: Proposed Road Furniture along the Project Road
Sl. No. Description Unit Quantity
1 Triangular Regulatory Signs (900mm sides) No. 26

of India 5/11
Report
Sl. No. Description Unit Quantity
2 Hazard Marker Signs(300mm x 900mm) No. 20

3 Chevron Sign Board (600mm x 750mm) No.
4 Mandatory Sign Board (600mm dia) No. 18
5 Overhead Cantilever Sign Boards No. 5
6 Overhead Gantry Sign Boards No. 4
7 200m stones No. 70
8 Kilometer Stones No. 14
9 5th Kilometer Stones No. 4
Retro-reflectorised sheets on crash barriers,
10 Sqm. 75
median copings, railings etc.
9m high street light pole with 1 x 250 watts
11 No. 1220
Metal Halide lanterns
30m high mast pole with 8 x 1000 watts Metal
12 No. 2
Halide lanterns
13 Toll Plaza signage and lighting No. 2

of India 5/12

Chapter 5-Highway Geometric Design

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Chapter 5 HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN

American Association for State Highway Transport Officials (AASHTO) standards

Sl. No Description IRC Standards

Carriageway width in one Section I: 8.5 m (2x3.5 m + 1.5m)

Sl. No Description IRC Standards

Road over road 5.5 m

Road over railway 6.525 m

H.T. Electrical lines 6.5m (More than 650 V)

Telecommunication 5.5m (Up to 110 V)

5.3 PROPOSED GEOMETRY

Table 5.2: Summary of Proposed Horizontal Geometry

Section I: Chennai Port to Koyembedu

1 <1 10214.600 10214.600

5.4 TYPICAL CROSS SECTIONS

RCC DRAIN RCC DRAIN

1500 7500 600 15500 1000 15500 600 7500 1500

WORKING SPACE FOR ELEVATED ROAD

1500 5500 600 7500 4500 7500 600 5500 1500

PEDESTRIAN RCC WALL EARTH FILL RCC WALL PEDESTRIAN

Wilbur Smith Associates Pvt. Ltd. Ch: National Highways Authority

Sl. No. Description Unit Quantity

1 Triangular Regulatory Signs (900mm sides) No. 26

Wilbur Smith Associates Pvt. Ltd. Ch: National Highways Authority

Sl. No. Description Unit Quantity

2 Hazard Marker Signs(300mm x 900mm) No. 20

Wilbur Smith Associates Pvt. Ltd. Ch: National Highways Authority

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