There are three types of HOV lane patterns—separated lanes, concurrent flow lanes,
and contraflow lanes. Regardless of which pattern is chosen, consideration should be
given to traffic operations at interchanges and on-ramps, pedestrian access to on-line
stations, the availability of parking areas at or near the stations, and the possible use
of HOV lanes during freeway maintenance of traffic operations. Design speeds
should generally be the same as for the mainline facility. Recommended lane and
shoulder widths can be seen in the next group of referenced figures (Figs. 2.61
through 2.66).
A separated HOV lane may be located in the median or on the outside of the general
lanes, or follow an independent alignment. See Figs. 2.61, 2.62, and 2.63 for examples
of cross sections. Figures 2.64 and 2.65 show two examples of how separated HOV
lanes tie in with the general main lanes of travel. Figure 2.66 shows sample signing
and pavement marking used in connection with HOV lanes. Note the diamond symbol
that signifies an HOV lane.
Concurrent flow lanes are located adjacent to traffic lanes and are not physically separated
from them. Figures 2.67 and 2.68 are examples of typical sections for concurrent
HOV lanes.