Guidelines on Regulation and Control of Mixed Traffic in Urban Areas (First Revision)

IRC 70: Scope (Clause 2)

Scope Overview:

• IRC 70 covers urban street design focusing on mixed traffic regulation, pedestrian facilities, cycle tracks, public transport, parking, intersections, and traffic management.
• It provides guidelines for planning, design, and management of urban streets to ensure safety, efficiency, and multimodal integration.
• Applicable to all urban road categories: arterial, sub-arterial, collector, local streets, and urban expressways.

Key Specifications Related to Scope:

Summary:

• The scope defines the extent of IRC 70 in urban street planning and design.
• It integrates traffic types: pedestrian, cycle, commercial, and public transport.
• Emphasizes design speed and road classification for appropriate geometric and traffic control measures.

graph TD
    A[IRC 70 Scope] --> B[Urban Road Categories]
    B --> C[Arterial]
    B --> D[Sub Arterial]
    B --> E[Collector]
    B --> F[Local Street]
    B --> G[Urban Expressway]
    A --> H[Traffic Types]
    H --> I[Pedestrian]
    H --> J[Cycle]
    H --> K[Public Transport]
    H --> L[Commercial Vehicles]
    A --> M[Design Speed & Planning]

For detailed design, refer to respective clauses on cross-section, traffic calming, public transport, and intersections.

IRC 70: Cross Sectional Elements - Key Points

Though the provided context does not detail formulas or tables for cross-sectional elements, IRC 70 generally covers these key specifications:

1. Cross Section Components

• Carriageway: Main traffic lanes; width depends on traffic volume and vehicle types.
• Footpaths: Minimum width typically 1.5 m for pedestrian comfort.
• Cycle Tracks: Width varies; usually 1.5 to 2.5 m depending on cycle traffic.
• Median: Provides separation; width varies from 1.0 m (narrow) to 3.0 m (wide).
• Shoulders: For emergency stops and lateral support; width depends on road type.

2. Typical Widths (IRC Guidelines)

3. Design Considerations

• Hierarchy of elements to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
• Segregation of traffic modes (pedestrian, cycle, motorized).
• Adequate drainage provisions alongside cross-sectional elements.

graph LR
A[Cross Sectional Elements] --> B[Carriageway]
A --> C[Footpath]
A --> D[Cycle Track]
A --> E[Median]
A --> F[Shoulder]

For detailed design, refer to IRC 70 Clause 3 (Cross Sectional Elements) and related tables in the code.

IRC 70: Urban Street Planning Measures - Key Highlights

1. Urban Road Classification & Planning Considerations (Clause 4.1 & 4.2)

• Roads are classified based on function and traffic volume.
• Planning prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport over private motor vehicles.
• Emphasis on safety, comfort, and accessibility for all users.

2. Hierarchy of Street Elements (Clause 1.1)

• Priority order:
  1. Pedestrians
  2. Non-motorized vehicles (cycles, rickshaws)
  3. Public transport
  4. Intermediate public transport (auto rickshaws, taxis)
  5. Economic activities (vendors)
  6. Light freight vehicles
  7. Personal motor vehicles
  8. Heavy freight vehicles

3. Cross Sectional Elements (Clause 3)

• Components include:
  • Footpaths & cycle tracks
  • Carriageway for motor vehicles
  • Dedicated BRT corridors
  • Service roads, landscape & utilities space
• Design depends on Right of Way (ROW), traffic volume, and land use.

4. Traffic Calming & Design Measures (Clause 5)

• Narrow lanes and shared spaces reduce vehicle speeds.
• Segregation of lanes for mixed traffic improves safety.
• Use of buffer zones between cycle tracks and motor traffic.

5. Intersection Design (Clause 12)

• Key parameters:
  • Turning radius
  • Left turn pockets
  • Refuge islands and medians
  • Crosswalks and bicycle boxes
  • Signal phasing and queuing space

Sample Table: Minimum Widths for Urban Street Elements (Indicative)

Diagram: Hierarchy of Street Elements

graph LR
    A[Ped

IRC 70 - Clause 5.2: Segregation of Lanes

Key Points on Segregation of Lanes:

• Purpose: Separate slow-moving traffic (pedestrians, non-motorized vehicles) from fast-moving vehicles to enhance safety.
• Public Transport Lanes:
  • Kerb Side Bus Lanes: Painted lanes adjacent to the kerb; prone to encroachment by parking, vendors, and mixed traffic.
  • Median Bus Lanes: Physically segregated by kerbs, railings, or landscaping; safer and more efficient for buses.
• Motorized Two-Wheelers: Should have segregated lanes to reduce conflicts with other vehicles.

Specifications for Median Bus Lanes:

General Recommendations:

• Use physical segregation (kerbs, railings) for median bus lanes.
• Enforce lane discipline to prevent encroachment.
• Design safe pedestrian crossings at median bus stops.

flowchart LR
    A[Fast Moving Vehicles] -->|Segregated| B[Motorized Lanes]
    C[Slow Moving Traffic] -->|Segregated| D[Non-Motorized Lanes]
    E[Public Transport] -->|Median Bus Lane| F[Physical Barrier]
    E -->|Kerb Side Bus Lane| G[Painted Lane]
    F --> H[Safe Pedestrian Crossings]

This segregation improves safety, efficiency, and reliability of traffic flow as per IRC 70 Clause 5.2.

Bicycle Parking Infrastructure (IRC 70 - Clause 9.4) Key Points

• Types of Parking:

  • Short-term (< 2 hours)
  • Long-term (> 2 hours, all day)

• Location:

  • Near mass rapid transit stations, public buildings, commercial areas

• Cost:

  • Should be free to encourage cycling

• Parking Space Marking:

  • Simple demarcation or different surface material
  • Recommended to be raised and can be on footpath in multi-utility zone

• Parking Structures:

  • Fixed stands/racks for locking bicycles
  • Inverted U-shaped bar:
    • Height: 0.7 m to 0.8 m
    • Allows locking frame and wheel with a single lock
    • Easy to use, vandal-resistant, low maintenance
  • Horizontal front wheel grip racks:
    • Can be repeated for multiple bicycles

Recommended Dimensions & Specifications

Additional References

• For cycle track design: IRC:11 - Guidelines for Design and Layout of Cycle Tracks
• For urban parking facilities: IRC:SP:12 - Guidelines for Parking Facilities in Urban Roads

flowchart LR
    A[Bicycle Parking] --> B[Short-term (<2 hrs)]
    A --> C[Long-term (>2 hrs)]
    B --> D[Near transit stations]
    C --> D
    D --> E[Free Parking]
    E --> F[Simple demarcation or raised surface]
    E --> G[Fixed racks/stands]
    G --> H[Inverted U-shaped bar (0.7-0.8 m)]
    G --> I[Horizontal front wheel grip rack]

This concise guidance ensures safe, accessible, and user-friendly bicycle parking infrastructure per IRC 70.

IRC 70 - Pedestrian and Non-Motorized Transport Precincts (Clause 10.1)

Key points for design and specifications:

• Purpose: Create pedestrian-only or non-motorized transport zones in high foot traffic areas (markets, urban cores, cultural zones).
• Vehicle Access: Motor vehicles prohibited except for delivery, garbage, and emergency vehicles during specified hours.
• Accessibility: Design must comply with disability access guidelines.
• Amenities: Include bicycle parking, plazas, seating, shade trees, and structures.
• Uses: Space for organized street vending and plazas near retail, markets, or transit stations.

Design Considerations (Related Clauses 11 & 12)

• Crosswalks & Levels: Ensure safe crossing with appropriate levels and markings.
• Turning Radius & Refuge Islands: Facilitate pedestrian safety at intersections.
• Bicycle Boxes & Bollards: Provide safe bicycle waiting areas and physical separation.
• Signal Phasing & Queuing Space: Optimize pedestrian flow and waiting areas.

Summary Table (Excerpt)

flowchart LR
    A[High Pedestrian Traffic Area] --> B[Pedestrian & Non-Motorized Precinct]
    B --> C[No Motor Vehicles (except delivery/emergency)]
    B --> D[Disability Access Compliance]
    B --> E[Amenities: Bicycle Parking, Seating, Shade]
    B --> F[Space for Street Vending & Plazas]

For detailed dimensions and signal timings, consult IRC 70 Clauses 11 & 12.

IRC 70 - Intersection Design: Key Specifications and Tables

1. Turning Radius (Clause 12.1)

• Non-bus route roads: Max turning radius = 4 m (to enhance pedestrian safety by reducing vehicle speeds)
• Bus-route roads: Max turning radius = 9 m

2. Pedestrian Crossings (Clause 12.5.1)

• Raised pedestrian crossings at unsignalized intersections.
• Elevation level equal to adjacent footpath.
• Vehicle ramps slope = 1:8 for smooth transition.
• Crossings aligned with pedestrian desire lines.

3. Bicycle Box (Clause 12.6)

• Allows right-turning cyclists to queue ahead of mixed traffic.
• Improves cyclist safety and intersection throughput.

4. Left Turn Pockets, Refuge Islands, Medians (Clauses 12.2, 12.3)

• Provide safe waiting areas and channelize turning traffic.
• Dimensions depend on traffic volume and vehicle types.

5. Signal Phasing and Queuing Space (Clauses 12.8, 12.9)

• Design signal phases to prioritize public transport, cycles, and pedestrians.
• Ensure adequate queuing space to avoid spillback.

Summary Table: Turning Radius and Pedestrian Crossing

flowchart TD
    A[Approach Road] --> B{Intersection}
    B --> C[Left Turn Pocket]
    B --> D[Refuge Island]
    B --> E[Pedestrian Crossing (Raised)]
    B --> F[Bicycle Box]
    C --> G[Through Road]
    D --> G
    E --> G
    F --> G

Note: For detailed dimensions and design tables, refer to IRC 70 Clauses 12.1 to 12.10.

Key Specifications & Formulas for Public Parking Management (IRC 70 - Clause 13.3)

1. Equivalent Car Space (ECS) Dimensions

Used to standardize parking supply calculations.

2. Parking Supply Assessment (Clause 13.3.2)

• Inventory all public parking (on-street and off-street) by ECS count.
• Calculate Occupancy (%) = (Number of parked vehicles / Total ECS) × 100.
• Calculate Turnover Rate = Total vehicles parked / Number of ECS in a period.

3. Monitoring Metrics (Clause 13.3.6)

• Average Turnover per Slot: Vehicles per ECS per time period.
• Average Parking Duration: Total parked time / Number of vehicles.
• Compliance Rate: (Legal parking events / Total parking events) × 100%.
• Revenue Metrics: Parking fees + fines + ads revenue.
• Enforcement Efficiency: Number of ECS per enforcement officer.

4. Dynamic Pricing Concept

• Price varies with demand to prioritize short-term parking and maximize turnover.

flowchart LR
    A[Parking Demand] --> B{High Demand?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Increase Parking Fee]
    B -- No --> D[Maintain/Reduce Fee]
    C --> E[Decrease Long-term Parking]
    D --> F[Encourage Usage]
    E --> G[Increase Turnover]
    F --> G

Summary

• Use ECS to quantify parking supply.
• Monitor occupancy, turnover, duration, compliance, and revenue.
• Implement dynamic pricing to optimize utilization and reduce congestion.
• Leverage IT systems for real-time data and enforcement.

This framework ensures efficient, equitable, and sustainable public parking management.

IRC 70: Rules Governing Special Vehicle Types - Key Specifications

Speed Limits (Clause 15.3 & Table 5)

Key Points:

• Maximum vehicle speed must comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Government notifications.
• State Governments may impose stricter speed limits for safety or road conditions.
• Traffic signals may be installed as needed for safety and accessibility.
• Speed limits in Table 5 are advisory for urban mixed traffic; actual limits should consider local conditions and traffic composition.

Summary Diagram: Speed Limit Enforcement Zones

flowchart LR
    A[Vehicle Type] --> B{Road Category}
    B --> C[Arterial & Sub-Arterial]
    B --> D[High Pedestrian Zones (<100m)]
    C --> E[Light/Medium: 50 km/h]
    C --> F[Heavy: 40 km/h]
    D --> G[Light/Medium: 20 km/h]
    D --> H[Heavy: 20 km/h]

This ensures safety by adjusting speed limits according to vehicle type and road environment.

IRC 70 - Traffic Management around Construction Zones: Key Points & Specifications

Key Provisions (Clause 13.8 & related)

• Safety Priority: Ensure safety of workers and all road users, especially on high-volume roads.
• Access: Maintain safe passage for pedestrians and bicyclists, including disabled persons.
• Scheduling: Prefer off-peak or night work for roadway occupancy to minimize disruption.
• Coordination: Early coordination with emergency services, law enforcement, transit, utilities, schools, and railways.
• Heavy Vehicles: Special control measures for heavy commercial vehicle traffic.
• Warning & Delineation: Use proper pavement markings, signs (per IRC:67), and channelization devices to guide traffic safely.
• Inclusivity: Provide accessible information formats for visually impaired pedestrians.

Reference Standards

• IRC:SP:55 — Guidelines for traffic regulation and worker safety in work zones.
• IRC:67 — Specifications for road signage in work zones.

Typical Traffic Management Elements (Summary Table)

Basic Formula for Safe Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) in Work Zones

[ SSD = V \times t + \frac{V^2}{2g(f + G)} ]

• V: Speed (m/s)
• t: Perception-reaction time (s)
• g: Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• f: Coefficient of friction
• G: Grade (decimal)

flowchart TD
    A[Planning Phase] --> B[Coordination with Authorities]
    B --> C[Design Traffic Management Plan]
    C --> D[Implement Warning & Delineation]
    D --> E[Schedule Work (Off-peak/Night)]
    E --> F[Monitor & Adjust Traffic Control]
    F --> G[Ensure Worker & Road User Safety]

Key Legislative Measures for Traffic Regulation (IRC 70 - Clause 15)

Scope:
Legislative measures focus on rules to promote safety and orderly movement of different road users.

Important Rules & Specifications

Reference Table: Road Marking Dimensions (per IRC:35)

Summary Diagram: Legislative Traffic Measures

graph TD
    A[Legislative Measures] --> B[Pedestrian Rules]
    A --> C[Bicycle Rules]
    A --> D[Speed Regulations]
   

Lane Segregation for Emergency Vehicles (IRC 70 - Clause 5.2.5)

• Purpose: Ensure fast, unobstructed access for fire tenders, ambulances, and police vans.
• Legal Basis:
  • Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Rule 10) mandates drivers to yield by pulling to the side.
  • 2017 Amendment Bill requires all vehicles (including VIP convoys) to clear intersections and yield immediately.
• Lane Use:
  • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors and bus lanes may be designated as emergency lanes for faster movement.
• Speed & Signals:
  • Emergency vehicles are exempt from speed limits and traffic signals but must prioritize safety.
• Design Recommendations:
  • Provide dedicated emergency lanes or allow emergency vehicles to use existing segregated lanes (e.g., BRT lanes).
  • Ensure lane widths accommodate emergency vehicles (typically 3.5 m width minimum per lane).

Summary Table: Emergency Lane Specifications

flowchart LR
    A[Normal Traffic] -->|Yield to| B[Emergency Vehicle]
    B --> C{Lane Type}
    C -->|BRT Lane| D[Use BRT Lane]
    C -->|No BRT| E[Use Emergency Lane or Shoulder]
    E --> F[Fast & Safe Access to Destination]

Key Takeaway: Design lanes to allow emergency vehicles uninterrupted passage, leveraging bus lanes where possible, and enforce strict yielding rules for all other vehicles.

IRC 70 Key Points on Green Corridors and Medians

1. Green Corridors (Clause 10.2 & 7.5)

• Greenways: Exclusive networks for walking and cycling along natural features (water bodies, parks).
• Minimum clear width: 7.5 m for two-way pedestrian and cyclist movement.
• Motor vehicles prohibited on greenways.
• Designed with public spaces and natural features.

2. Medians (From Road Classification - Clause 5)

• Medians include pedestrian refuges for safe crossing (spacing per IRC:103).
• Medians improve safety by separating opposing traffic and providing refuge.

3. Design Considerations

• Provide footpaths and cycle tracks per IRC:103.
• Non-motorized vehicle tracks should be continuous and integrated.
• On arterial and sub-arterial roads, on-street parking is restricted to service lanes only.
• Speed control measures on collector/local streets ensure safety for mixed users.

Summary Diagram of Road Cross-Section with Median and Green Corridor

graph LR
A[Footpath] -- Pedestrian --> B[Cycle Track]
B -- Cyclists --> C[Carriageway Lanes]
C -- Traffic --> D[Median (1-2 m)]
D -- Refuge --> E[Opposite Carriageway Lanes]
E -- Cycle Track --> F[Footpath]
G[Green Corridor (7.5 m min)] -. Motor Vehicles Prohibited .-> H[Adjacent Natural Feature]

References:

• IRC 70 Clause 10.2 & 7.

Key Specifications for Footpath Design (IRC 70, Clause 10.3 & 1.8):

• Pedestrian Zone:

  • Minimum width: 1.8 m (residential), increases with land use intensity.
  • Minimum height clearance: 2.2 m.
  • No obstructions (trees, poles, signage) within this zone.
  • Width based on pedestrian flow (see Table 4).

• Multi-Functional Zone (MFZ):

  • Width: 1-2 m depending on road hierarchy.
  • Accommodates street furniture, trees, utilities, parking, bus stops, etc.

• Footpath Height:

  • Max 150 mm above carriageway.

• Surface:

  • Smooth, non-slip, wheelchair accessible.
  • Service covers flush with surface; openings ≤ 10 mm.

• Minimum Pedestrian Zone Width by Land Use:

• Design Principles:
  • Separate frontage (dead) zone for slow shoppers.
  • Ensure continuous, obstruction-free pedestrian flow.
  • Remove encroachments and realign utilities for clear space.
  • Follow barrier-free design per Ministry of Urban Development guidelines (2016).

flowchart LR
    A[Carriageway] -->|1-2 m| B(Multi-Functional Zone)
    B -->|1.8 m or more| C(Pedestrian Zone)
    C -->|0.5 m| D(Frontage/Dead Zone)

This zoning ensures safety, comfort, and accessibility for all pedestrians.

Bus Stop Design & Placement (IRC 70 Key Points)

• Clear Waiting Space: Minimum 1.2 m width, 3 m clear height.
• Location: Adjacent to bus travel line; no pull-over needed (IRC:103).
• Length: Based on expected bus volume.
• Parking Lane: Use bulb-out in parking lane for bus stops to enhance safety.
• Intersection Placement:
  • Far side: Recommended, 40-45 m beyond pedestrian crosswalk edge.
  • Near side: If used, place 40-45 m before intersection.
• Cycle Track: Routed behind bus stop with 50 mm grade difference to footpath; bus stop and cycle track at same level.
• Clearance: Tree branches trimmed to 4.5 m height.
• Bus Rapid Transit Lane Width: 3.5 m + 1 m buffer.
• Pedestrian Crossing: At-grade crossings with 1:10 slope, elevated to footpath height.
• IPT Stands: Provided near bus stops for last-mile connectivity.

Summary Table: Bus Stop Dimensions & Placement

flowchart LR
    A[Bus Stop] --> B[Waiting Area (≥1.2 m wide)]
    B --> C[Cycle Track (same level, routed behind)]
    B --> D[Footpath (50 mm higher)]
    A --> E[Bulb-out if parking lane exists]
    A --> F[IPT Stand nearby]
    A --> G[Pedestrian Crossing (elevated, 1:10 slope)]

This design ensures safety, efficient bus movement, and pedestrian/cyclist convenience per IRC 70 guidelines.