femfeltsveier

Five-lane roads, referred to in Norwegian as femfeltsveier, are arterial or suburban roadways designed with five traffic lanes in total. The most common cross-section includes two lanes for traffic in each direction and a central two-way left-turn lane. This center lane is shared by vehicles from either direction for left turns, allowing through traffic to flow more freely and reducing weaving in the main lanes. In some regions or on roads with uneven traffic flow, a five-lane cross-section may instead be configured as three lanes in one direction and two in the other, with the center area serving as a turning or median section.

Purpose and usage: Five-lane roads are typically used on corridors with high turning demand or moderate-to-high traffic volumes, where separating through traffic from turning movements improves capacity and safety. They are common on urban arterials and on approaches to city centers, where frequent left turns can otherwise disrupt through traffic.

Design considerations: Lane widths usually range from about 3.0 to 3.75 meters, with the center two-way left-turn lane typically around 3.0 meters. Sufficient shoulder or curb space, clear markings, and appropriate signage are important. In some designs, outer lanes may accommodate buses or bicycles, or the center lane may be supplemented or replaced by a median to enhance safety and traffic management.

Safety and challenges: While five-lane sections can reduce conflict between turning and through vehicles, they require careful signaling, clear lane discipline, and regular maintenance. Misuse of the center lane or inadequate pedestrian and bicycle facilities can create safety risks, especially for vulnerable road users.

Variations and context: Practices vary by country and region, with different standards for lane widths, turning facilities, and transit integration. Five-lane roads are distinguished from six- or four-lane configurations by their total lane count and the presence of a central turning facility.

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