Sweden and Germany, among other European countries, have been using these types of roads for years, and they have proven to be truly effective in reducing road accidents.
Data from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) show that the highest number of fatal accidents occur on secondary roads .
Driving off the road is the main cause of these accidents, and in many cases, the trigger that causes the driver to lose control of the car is improper overtaking.
These figures have raised concerns among authorities and led them to take measures regarding this type of road. The Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda (Mitma) , through the General Directorate of Roads , has approved the first Spanish regulation on 2+1 roads , which will constitute a hybrid of motorways and dual carriageways.
What are 2+1 highways?
These are two-lane roads (one for each direction) with a third lane used solely for overtaking . Each of the two lanes may be separated by a median strip that juts out in either direction intermittently (every five or seven kilometers) so that drivers traveling in both directions can overtake equally.
However, a physical barrier separating lanes is not mandatory; horizontal road markings can simply be used. Spanish law even leaves the choice of whether or not to install them up to the company responsible for construction.
Advantages of 2+1 Highways
Among the main advantages that can be stated about this type of road are:
- Better safety conditions compared to conventional roads.
- Better level of service , given that higher average travel speeds would be achieved.
- Considerable reduction in construction costs compared to a motorway/highway.
- Less environmental impact .
- Greater flexibility in design conditions , as there is no need to achieve the overtaking distance required for a conventional road.
- Allows overtaking of slow vehicles where their presence is significant.
In this way, Spain joins the implementation of these roads, which currently have a significant presence in European countries such as Sweden, Finland, Germany, France, and Ireland, as well as in the US, Canada, and Australia.
