Civil Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 11-15-2022

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This research analyzed changes in motor vehicle volumes and motor vehicle speeds after the installation of an intersection mural in Albuquerque, NM and changes in crash frequency after mural installations in Philadelphia, PA. Data was collected manually on site for the Albuquerque study and secondary data – including installation dates and physical characteristics – were used for the Philadelphia crash analyses. Statistics were computed to determine trends in motor vehicle speeds and volumes relative to the Albuquerque mural installation. A geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis and t-test statistical analyses were used to determine which Philadelphia murals saw significant before/after changes in motor vehicle crashes relative to physical characteristics of the murals. The behavioral analysis suggested that the Albuquerque mural may have slowed vehicle speed in the short term while long-term vehicle speeds increased. The crash analyses of Philadelphia murals indicated that there were significant decreases in crashes after mural installations. Findings suggested that crash frequency was more likely to decrease near murals that did not contain text.

Keywords

Transportation Safety, Public Art, Traffic Calming, Speeding, Distracted Driving

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Nicholas N. Ferenchak, Ph.D., P.E.

Second Committee Member

Richard Santos, Ph.D.

Third Committee Member

Anjali Mulchandani, Ph.D.

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