What does the term "lane configuration" refer to?

Lane configuration specifically refers to how lanes on a roadway are arranged, which encompasses their direction, the total number of lanes, and the purpose each lane serves (such as travel lanes, turn lanes, bike lanes, etc.). This concept is crucial for traffic management and safety, as it directly affects the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.

Understanding lane configuration helps engineers and planners design roadways that can efficiently handle the expected volume of traffic while ensuring safe navigation. It is important for establishing the intended use of each lane, which can influence decisions about traffic signals, signage, road markings, and more.

While the arrangement of traffic signals, the types of vehicles allowed on a road, and the physical width of the road are all relevant aspects of roadway design, they do not specifically define what lane configuration entails. Instead, these elements are influenced by the existing lane configuration.