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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.