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P. 28
INFRASTRUCTURE
runway operations such as be dismantled within a short runway stretch. However, the
temporary air traffic control, time following SOPs. No large runway portion did not have the
ground lighting equipment and signages such as gantry-mounted crash barrier or any permanent
fire-fighting equipment. overhead structures were vehicle restraint system on the
installed for road traffic signages, outer shoulder side. It was
….and mitigations ATMS cameras and VMS several acceptable for a relatively short
kilometres before and after the stretch compared to the full length
The challenges however, were runway stretch. of the expressway because the
suitably mitigated and some shoulder embankment height
solutions include design of the No traffic signals or blinkers was kept low and a gentle
5km stretch being integrated were installed in the vicinity. It slope was provided thereby
with the prevailing Indian codes is also pertinent to note that no negating the warrant for a
for highway and runway facilities elevated structure such as flyover, crash barrier. Instead, runway
for the dual facility. Advance road over bridge or vehicle pavement markings such as the
road signs were posted several overpass was constructed as well. runway centre line and runway
kilometres ahead of the airstrip Regular pavement markings such holding position marking were
having mandatory requirements as edge line, lane lines, pavement implemented on pavement using
and information guidance to pass arrow markings and transverse water-based paint, which distinctly
the vehicles through the runway markings were not installed on differed from adjacent expressway
portion of the expressway. the runway stretch. Additional markings as described above.
Signages also depicted the delineation by way of installing
steps to be taken during halt of raised pavement markers or studs This change in environment,
expressway operations. that are generally placed along clearly evident from the stark
edge lines and oftentimes on contrast in permanent traffic
Since standard signs for lane lines also were absent on control and safety device types,
roadway/runway dual facilities the runway portion. Customized provision and placement played
are not available, available detachable median with wheels a crucial role in the overall
sign graphics were modified provided for highway operations, project’s operations and safety
by adding Hindi text to aspect because eventually, the
increase readability and reach which would be stowed away 5-kilometre-long designated
of local users since during during airstrip operations. runway stretch did not have any
emergency operations. Traffic The outer shoulder sides of both lane delineation that is expected
sign foundations were not sides of the expressway main by road users during peace time
conventional type for this carriageway had metal beam road operations. That meant
stretch. Frangible or break-away crash barrier installed, including lowering of posted speed limit to
poles were used that could immediately before and after the maintain safety.
28 TRAFFICINFRATECH / June 2025 / www.trafficinfratech.com
