Improving the Safety of Single Carriageways in Northern Ireland
Dean Elder, University of Ulster, UK.
Road traffic collisions are both a social and economic cost. With growing population and rising traffic volumes, road safety improvements are becoming a major policy issue for authorities.
The single biggest cause of road deaths in Northern Ireland is excessive speed on rural single carriageway roads. However, the risk of collisions on rural roads can be significantly altered through road safety engineering measures. This study examines road traffic collisions on single carriageways, exploring the performance of wide single 2+1 (WS2+1) carriageways as an effective road safety engineering solution to Northern Ireland’s single carriageway network.
An in-depth critical analysis of authoritative literature provided contextualisation for this study. Quantitative analyses of bespoke secondary data sets were conducted which found that 90% of fatal collisions occurred on single carriageways. WS2+1 carriageways were the best performing scheme type with a 67% reduction in collision severity. WS2+1 carriageway configurations are a beneficial, cost effective engineering solution that reduces driver frustration and collisions on single carriageways.
A wider communication and education strategy is strongly recommended as well as reviewing the viability of providing physical separation in order to eliminate the risk of head-on collisions.
This dissertation was the Premier Award Winner, Masters Dissertation Award, CIOB International Innovation & Research Award, 2014.
The judges said, “A superbly presented and well-written dissertation that addresses a topical issue and mobilises rigorous statistical analysis with full use of available secondary data. The literature review is exemplary. It draws from current literature and weaves together a compelling argument. It is an excellent piece of work that could easily be used for policy development and infrastructure investment in improving road safety in Northern Ireland and globally.”
--CIOB
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.