Under typical base conditions, what is the freeway capacity range per lane?

The freeway capacity per lane typically ranges from 2,250 to 2,400 vehicles per hour under base conditions. This range is determined based on various factors, including road design, vehicle composition, driver behavior, and prevailing traffic conditions. Within this range, the capacity reflects optimal flow conditions, where vehicles can travel without significant disruption from congestion, incidents, or interference.

At this capacity, the assumption is that there is a balanced mix of vehicle types, minimal exiting and merging traffic, and that the conditions are conducive to maintaining high speeds and efficient flow. This makes the range of 2,250 to 2,400 vehicles per hour a widely accepted standard in transportation engineering when analyzing freeway traffic volumes and planning for future capacity needs.

Understanding this capacity range is vital for traffic operations engineers and planners, as it helps in designing roadways, managing traffic flow, and implementing strategies to minimize congestion and enhance safety on freeways.