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IRC SP 44 : 2019
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Highway Safety Code

AASHTO - A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (Green Book) · Austroads - Guide to Road Design · PIARC - Road Safety Manual
CurrentFrequently UsedCode of PracticeTransportation · Roads and Pavement
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OverviewValues15InternationalTablesFAQ10Related

Overview

IRC SP 44:2019 is the Indian Standard (IRC) for highway safety code. The Highway Safety Code outlines the fundamental principles and practices for achieving a safe highway environment. It addresses critical elements such as design speed, sight distances, horizontal and vertical curves, median design, and intersection treatments. The code also emphasizes the importance of road markings, signage, lighting, and barrier systems in enhancing driver awareness and preventing crashes. Adherence to this code is crucial for the design, construction, and maintenance of safe and efficient road networks, ultimately aiming to reduce accident frequency and severity.

This code provides comprehensive guidelines and standards for ensuring the safety of users on national highways and expressways. It covers aspects ranging from geometric design principles to operational safety measures and the provision of necessary safety features to mitigate accidents.

Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Transportation — Roads and Pavement
Type
Code of Practice
International equivalents
AASHTO - A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (Green Book)Austroads - Guide to Road DesignPIARC - Road Safety Manual
Typically used with
IS 73
Also on InfraLens for IRC SP 44
15Key values8Tables10FAQs
Practical Notes
! Ensure adequate sight distance is maintained at all times, especially at horizontal and vertical curves, intersections, and driveways.
! The coefficient of friction varies with pavement type and condition; use appropriate values from the code or laboratory tests.
! Reaction time for drivers can vary; the standard 2.5 seconds is a conservative estimate.
! Super-elevation should be applied gradually and the rate of change of centrifugal acceleration should be limited to avoid discomfort and potential skidding.
! Medians serve a critical safety function; their width should be sufficient to prevent cross-median crashes, especially at higher speeds.
! Shoulders not only provide a recovery area but also support the pavement edge; ensure they are adequately designed and maintained.
! Clear and consistent signage and pavement markings are essential for driver comprehension and decision-making.
! Road lighting is crucial in urban areas and at accident-prone locations to improve visibility during night hours.
! Guardrails should be installed at locations with significant hazards, and their design and anchoring are critical for effectiveness.
! Intersection design is a key area for safety improvement; consider traffic volume, speed, and conflict points when selecting intersection type.
! The design speed should be consistent along a road section to avoid abrupt changes in driver behavior.
! Pedestrian and cyclist safety must be considered, especially in urban and mixed-use areas, with provision of sidewalks, crossings, and cycle paths.
! Regular inspection and maintenance of all safety features are paramount to ensure their continued effectiveness.
! Noise barriers should be considered in sensitive areas to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on nearby communities.
! Proper drainage design is indirectly a safety feature, preventing hydroplaning and ensuring pavement stability.
! The code is dynamic; always refer to the latest updated version for current standards and recommendations.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. Clause 2.1Design SpeedCl. Clause 3.1Stopping Sight DistanceCl. Clause 4.1Horizontal CurvesCl. Clause 5.1Vertical CurvesCl. Clause 6.1Median DesignCl. Clause 7.1ShouldersCl. Clause 9.1Traffic Signs and MarkingsCl. Clause 10.1Road LightingCl. Clause 11.1Barriers and GuardrailsCl. Clause 13.1Intersections
Pulled from IRC SP 44:2019. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Highway SafetyRoad DesignTraffic EngineeringGeometric DesignAccident PreventionRoad InfrastructureIndian Roads CongressIRC CodesIRC

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
AASHTO - A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (Green Book)
MediumCurrent
Austroads - Guide to Road Design
MediumCurrent
PIARC - Road Safety Manual
MediumCurrent
Key Differences
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Key Similarities
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Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Design Speed
Stopping Sight Distance (SSD)
Super-elevation
Median Width
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values15

Quick Reference Values
design speed rangesRecommended minimum design speeds for different types of roads.
stopping sight distance factorsFactors influencing stopping sight distance calculations.
horizontal curve design parametersKey parameters for designing safe horizontal curves.
median width requirementsMinimum median widths for different road categories.
traffic volume thresholdsAverage daily traffic (ADT) values for implementing specific safety features.
shoulder width guidelinesMinimum paved shoulder widths for different road types.
traffic island dimensionMinimum dimensions for traffic islands to ensure visibility.
guardrail clearanceLateral clearance from the edge of the carriageway to the face of the guardrail.
pedestrian crossing widthRecommended width for pedestrian crossings.
lighting luminance levelsMinimum average maintained luminance levels for street lighting.
signage visibility distancesMinimum distances for effective visibility of traffic signs.
km post intervalInterval for kilometer posts.
emergency telephone intervalMaximum interval for emergency telephones on expressways.
slope protection measuresConsiderations for slope protection near highways.
noise barrier heightMinimum height for noise barriers adjacent to residential areas.
Key Formulas
SSD = vt + v^2 / (2*g*f)
R = v^2 / (g * (f + e))
L_s = (A * S^2) / (2 * sqrt(h1) + 2 * sqrt(h2))^2 (for line of sight obstructed by object)
L_v = (A * S^2) / (2.5 * S + 1.7) (for comfort criterion)

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Recommended Design Speed for National Highways and Major Roads
Values of SSD for Different Design Speeds
Minimum Radius of Horizontal Curves for Different Design Speeds
Allowable Super-elevation for Horizontal Curves
Length of Vertical Curves
Minimum Median Widths
Colour and Symbol Specification for Traffic Signs
Minimum Luminance Levels for Road Lighting
Key Clauses
Design Speed
Stopping Sight Distance
Horizontal Curves
Vertical Curves
Median Design
Shoulders
Traffic Signs and Markings
Road Lighting
Barriers and Guardrails
Intersections

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 73:2013Paving Bitumen - Specification
→

Frequently Asked Questions10

What is the primary objective of the Highway Safety Code?+
The primary objective of the Highway Safety Code is to establish comprehensive standards and guidelines for the design, construction, and maintenance of highways to ensure the safety of all road users. It aims to minimize accident frequency and severity by addressing geometric design, traffic control devices, roadside features, and operational aspects of highways. By adhering to these principles, engineers can create roads that are forgiving of human error and mitigate the consequences of potential incidents.
How does the code address the issue of sight distance on highways?+
Sight distance is a critical factor in the code. It defines and quantifies essential sight distances like Stopping Sight Distance (SSD), Overtaking Sight Distance (OSD), and Intermediate Sight Distance (ISD). The code provides methodologies and values for calculating these distances based on design speed, driver reaction time, and braking efficiency. It mandates that highways must provide adequate sight distance at horizontal curves, vertical curves, intersections, and other locations to prevent collisions.
What are the key considerations for designing horizontal curves according to this code?+
For horizontal curves, the code emphasizes the importance of selecting an appropriate radius based on the design speed to ensure vehicles do not skid or overturn. It also specifies the maximum allowable super-elevation rate and the minimum rate of change of centrifugal acceleration to provide a smooth and comfortable transition for drivers. Adequate sight distance on curves is also a mandatory requirement.
Why is median design important, and what does the code recommend?+
Median design is crucial for separating opposing traffic streams, thus preventing devastating head-on collisions and cross-median accidents. The Highway Safety Code recommends minimum median widths based on the type of highway and expected traffic speeds. It also discusses different median treatments, such as depressed, raised, or curbed medians, to guide drivers and mitigate the consequences of vehicles crossing into oncoming lanes.
What role do traffic signs and markings play according to the code?+
Traffic signs and markings are vital communication tools for drivers. The code details the specifications for various types of signs (regulatory, warning, and informatory), including their colours, shapes, sizes, and placement, ensuring consistency and legibility. Similarly, it outlines standards for pavement markings, such as lane lines, edge lines, and pedestrian crossing markings, to guide traffic, delineate travel paths, and warn of hazards, thereby enhancing predictability and reducing confusion.
How does the code address roadside safety?+
Roadside safety is addressed through guidelines on the design and placement of traffic barriers and guardrails. The code specifies when and where these safety features should be installed to shield vehicles from fixed objects like trees, poles, or steep slopes. It also covers the importance of clear zones – unobstructed areas adjacent to the roadway – to allow errant vehicles to recover safely without colliding with roadside hazards.
What are the requirements for road lighting as per this code?+
The code provides guidelines for road lighting to enhance visibility during nighttime and in adverse weather conditions. It specifies minimum average maintained luminance levels and uniformity ratios for different categories of roads, particularly in urban areas, at intersections, and on critical sections known for night-time accidents. Proper lighting helps drivers perceive hazards, make better decisions, and reduces the likelihood of crashes.
Does the Highway Safety Code cover pedestrian and cyclist safety?+
Yes, while the primary focus is often on vehicular traffic, the code does consider the safety of vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. It recommends provisions for sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and in some cases, cycle tracks, especially in urban areas or where significant pedestrian and cyclist activity is expected. The design of intersections also aims to minimize conflicts between vehicles and these users.
How is the design speed determined and why is it important?+
Design speed is the maximum safe speed that a vehicle can travel on a specific section of highway under prevailing conditions. The code provides recommended design speeds for different terrains (plain, rolling, hilly) and road types (national highways, expressways). It is crucial because most geometric design elements, such as curve radii, sight distances, and intersection layouts, are directly dependent on the chosen design speed to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
What is the role of intersection design in highway safety according to this code?+
Intersections are considered critical points on a highway where conflicts between different traffic movements are most likely to occur, leading to accidents. The code provides detailed guidelines for designing various types of intersections, from simple at-grade junctions to complex grade-separated interchanges and roundabouts. The objective is to minimize conflict points, ensure adequate sight distances, provide clear channelization, and facilitate smooth traffic flow, thereby enhancing safety.

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