Evaluating the effectiveness of motorcycle U-turn infrastructure in Thailand | |
| Author | Nuttapong Sribanjong |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.TE-24-06 |
| Subject(s) | Motorcycles--Thailand--Safety measures Roads--Thailand--Cost effectiveness Infrastructure (Economics)|zThailand |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Transportation Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Motorcycles are a primary mode of transportation in Thailand and are involved in a disproportionately increased number of roadway accidents. U-turn sites are particularly hazardous for motorcyclists due to their complex traffic movements, limited sight distance, and frequent vehicle conflicts. To improve safety at these critical points, the Thai government has implemented several infrastructure improvements, including U turn overpasses and underpasses designed to separate traffic streams and reduce crash risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of both U-turn overpass and underpass infrastructures in reducing motorcycle-related crashes, with a focus on cost effectiveness. Motorcycle accident records were compiled from selected sites for three years before and after the construction of the U-turn facilities. A before-and-after analysis method was applied to assess variations in crash frequency, while a cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) was used to assess the value of the investment in terms of cost per crash avoided. The results demonstrate that both overpass and underpass interventions contributed to a noticeable reduction in motorcycle crashes. The CEA findings show that the safety benefits achieved from these infrastructures justify the construction costs, indicating that such projects are economically efficient strategies for improving motorcycle safety. This research provides practical insights for transportation engineers, planners, and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of investing in U-turn infrastructure improvements. The evidence supports further implementation of similar facilities across the country to enhance road safety for motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Transportation Engineering (TE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kunnawee Kanitpong,; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Wasin Rujikietgumjorn;Bhatt, Ayushman; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government Fellowship;AIT Scholarship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |