alllanerunning

Alllanerunning, or all-lane running, is a traffic management concept used on busy arterial roads to increase capacity by using all lanes for general traffic rather than dedicating lanes to specific modes. The approach often retains some form of bus priority, but the core principle is that every lane is available to all vehicles. It is typically considered for corridors where additional capacity is challenging to achieve through widening or new lanes.

Implementation usually follows a staged process that may include safety case development, public consultation, and a phased rollout. Key features can include enhanced junction design and signal coordination, improved signage and lane markings, and the use of intelligent transport systems to manage flows. Where buses or priority is retained, measures may include priority at signals, optimized bus stop spacing, and dedicated queue-jump lanes at selected junctions. Safety is a central concern, with emphasis on appropriate speed management, road geometry, barrier protection, and enforcement to discourage unsafe weaving or excess speeds.

Advantages of all-lanerunning can include higher corridor capacity without acquiring additional right-of-way, potential reductions in overall travel times, and simplified lane operation that reduces certain weaving conflicts. Criticisms focus on safety risks associated with mixed-traffic conditions, especially at higher speeds or in adverse weather, and the need for high-quality design, robust enforcement, and ongoing monitoring to realize benefits.

The concept has been discussed and applied in various forms in the United Kingdom and other regions as part of broader strategies to improve urban road performance. It is distinct from hard-shoulder running and from dedicated bus lanes, though it may incorporate targeted bus-priority measures.