Salt Lake Commuters Use HOV Lanes, Sympathetically

A two year study of the new carpool lanes reveals average violation rates, slower speeds

1 minute read

January 22, 2004, 5:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

As part of the construction before the 2002 Olympics, I-15 in the Salt Lake Valley was widened from two lanes in each direction to four lanes plus a carpool lane in each direction. A two year study recently showed that carpool violation rates were between 5 and 13 percent, roughly the national average. However, one in five cars using the special carpool ramp two blocks closer to downtown held only one passenger. Drivers using the carpool lanes can reach noticeably higher speeds, but do not. Whether out of sympathy for slower traffic or to give sufficient room for braking and merging traffic, drivers in HOV lanes drive at an average speed of 53mph, instead of a possible 70mph.

Thanks to Peter Christensen

FULL STORY: HOV lanes mostly respected, but not special ramp

Thursday, January 15, 2004 in The Salt Lake Tribune

Transportation Utah

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