MOTILAL NEHRU NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

ALLAHABAD (PRAYAGRAJ)

HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN PROBLEMS ON

NH-44, BHARAT & DEAD MAN’S CURVE, USA

PRESENTED BY- SATYA PRAKASH

(2023TR15)
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Introduction
2. Case Study-I: NH-44, Bharat
3. Introduction to NH-44
4. Highway Geometric Design Problems on NH-44
5. Solutions Proposed
6. Conclusion & Impact
7. Case Study-II: Dead Man’s Curve, USA
8. History of Accidents
9. Highway Geometric Design Problems on Dead Man’s Curve
10. Proposed Design Improvement & Solutions
11. Impacts of Safety Measures
12. Conclusion
13. References
 INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN?
 INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN?
• deals with the dimensions & layout of visible features of the
Highways.

• fulfills the requirements of driver and the vehicle such as comfort,

efficiency, and safety.

• goal is to create a safe, efficient, and user-friendly roadway

IMPORTANCE OF HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN?
IMPORTANCE OF HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN?
• Safety
• Traffic Flow & Capacity
• Driver Comfort & Convenience
• Accessibility & Mobility
• Emergency Responses
• Environmental Considerations
• Adaptability to Future Needs
COMPONENTS OF HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN?
COMPONENTS OF HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC DESIGN?
• Alignment
Horizontal & Vertical Alignment
• Cross-Section Elements
Roadway-width, Shoulder-width & Median-width
• Intersection Design
• Superelevation
• Sight Distance
• Signage and Markings
• Roadside Design
 Case Study-I
HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC
DESIGN PROBLEM ON
NH-44, BHARAT
Highway Geometric Design on NH-44 has been a
major concern for a long-time due to its challenging
topography and roadway conditions. This presentation
sheds light on the problems faced on NH-44, their
analysis, and proposed solutions.
INTRODUCTION TO NH-44
Key Facts
Stretching over 3,745 km, NH-44 is the
longest highway in Bharat, connecting the
Northern & Southern regions.

Significance
NH-44 plays a vital role in facilitating trade,
tourism, and transportation through its well-
connected network.

Source: Google Earth Map

HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC PROBLEMS ON NH-44
1 Curvature Issues
NH-44 experiences sharp
curves, affecting speed and
safety.
3 Gradient Challenges
Steep slopes and uneven gradients
pose difficulties for vehicles,
especially heavy-duty trucks.
2 Sight Distance Problems
Inadequate visibility limits
driver awareness, increasing
the risk of accidents.
4 Intersection Design Flaws
Poor planning of intersections
leads to congestion and delays.
 Accident due to High Speed Accident due to Restricted Sight Distance

Source: The Tribune Source: Hindustan Times

Overturning of Vehicles due to sharp turn Accident due to ill-intersections

Source: The Times of India, Feb-2021 Source: Kashmir Reader, Aug-2020

• 426 persons lost lives on NH-44 in between 2015-2019 (Source: NHAI)

 SOLUTIONS PROPOSED
Resurfacing Roads
Repairing the damaged road surface for
better and safer driving conditions.
Enhanced Sight Distance
Utilizing higher elevation points and
removing obstacles along the highway
to improve visibility.
1 Widening Roads
Increase the width of narrow roads to allow
for more vehicles to pass each other.
2
3 Construction of flyovers
Building flyovers on steep inclines and
declines to provide safer driving conditions
4 on winding roads.
5 Gradient Realignment
Reconstructing uneven slopes and gradients
for better vehicle maneuverability.
 CONCLUSION AND IMPACT OF SOLUTIONS

1 The construction of flyovers, road resurfacing, and widening can go a long

way in reducing the risks on NH-44, and improving safety standards.

2 The improvements would contribute to the growth of the economy by reducing

transportation times, ensuring the safety of road users, and reducing the cost
of doing business.

3 Learning from NH-44, similar approaches should be adopted for other highways
to enhance road network connectivity.

Cont.
4 Costs and Benefits

Costs Benefits

Widening Roads High construction costs Reduced traffic congestion

and accidents

Resurfacing Roads Moderate construction Economic benefits from

costs reduced vehicle wear and
tear

Construction of Flyovers High construction costs Safer and quicker

transportation
 Case Study-II
HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC
DESIGN PROBLEM ON
DEAD MAN’S CURVE
USA

Dead Man's Curve is a sharp bend on a highway known

for its dangerous design and high rate of accidents.
 HISTORY OF ACCIDENTS

1 1950s-1960s
Increased traffic led to surge in accidents at
Dead Man's Curve
1970s-1980s 2
Efforts to improve road safety were initiated
which led to reducing the accident rate
3 1990s-2010s
Resurgence in accidents due to increased
speed and driver negligence
 HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC PROBLEMS ON
DEAD MAN’S CURVE

1 Sharp Angle & Poor Visibility.

2 Lack of warning signs & Inadequate lighting.

 Source: news5claveland, May-2021 Source: claveland.com

• As previous data of any fatal or injuries is not available, 190 people have been injured there since 2009.
PROPOSED DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS & SOLUTIONS
1 Warning Signs
Clear & visible signs should be installed to alert drivers about upcoming curve.

2 Improved Lighting
Enhance lighting to improve visibility during night-time.

3 Rumble Strips
Grooves on the road surface so that drivers get information about upcoming curve.

4 Guard-rails
Barriers should be provided to prevent vehicles from sliding off the road.
Source: Wikipedia Source: news5claveland

Source: Things Claveland Ohio

 IMPACT OF SAFETY MEASURES

Reduction in Accidents Improved Driver Awareness Enhanced Road Safety

Safety measures led to Clear signage and rumble strips The installation of guardrails and
significant decrease in number of have increased driver attention improved lighting has made the
accidents at Dead Man's Curve on the curve curve safer for drivers
 CONCLUSION
• The safety measures implemented at Dead Man's Curve have been effective in reducing
accidents. Ongoing periodic maintenance, and strict enforcement of traffic regulations are
crucial for maintaining safety.

• Regular evaluation of the design's performance and feedback from road users will ensure
ongoing improvements and optimization of the highway.
 REFERENCES
1. Google Earth Map
2. Analysis of accident data & identification of blackspots on NH-44 by Prayag Chaudhary
and Gyanendra Singh (2022)
3. Different Newspapers – The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Tribune,
news5claveland, claveland.com
4. Official website of NHAI
5. IRC 073 & IRC 086 – Geometric Design of Rural & Urban Roads