You notice it particularily when one road segment is built out, but the fewer lanes on other segments still keep the effective traffic flow rate constant (or lower due to all the merging and yielding that’s now required). Min-cut max-flow theorem, my beloved.
Its almost as if roads have a low capacity due to how much space each car takes up, often for just 1 person. The solution to congestion is alternatives to driving. Everything else is just a band-aid unless you significantly restrict growth and through traffic.
Removing roads decreases congestion: Braess’ paradox
Roads for private cars are generally overbuilt and run directly into Braess’ paradox. E.g. Five years after Sepulveda Pass widening, travel times on the 405 keep getting worse.
You notice it particularily when one road segment is built out, but the fewer lanes on other segments still keep the effective traffic flow rate constant (or lower due to all the merging and yielding that’s now required). Min-cut max-flow theorem, my beloved.
Its almost as if roads have a low capacity due to how much space each car takes up, often for just 1 person. The solution to congestion is alternatives to driving. Everything else is just a band-aid unless you significantly restrict growth and through traffic.
This is ehy im overall neutral on adding lanes.