New traffic signals and lane configuration on Höfðabakki
Construction at the intersection of Höfðabakki and Bæjarháls is progressing well and is scheduled for completion this week.
Crews are installing traffic signal equipment and activating sensors, which means the signal control will be more flexible and better balance traffic flow.
The main goal of these changes is to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists and improve connections to the pathway system without increasing overall traffic delays.
Changes to the north leg of Höfðabakki at Bæjarháls
Previously, there were four southbound lanes on Höfðabakki: two left-turn lanes, one straight lane, and one right-turn lane on a bypass.
Traffic counts showed little demand for right turns, and the bypass created a hazard for pedestrians, since drivers were coming from a high-speed street (Höfðabakki) onto a slower one (Strengur).
Traffic counts show twice as much demand for going straight through the intersection as for turning left. As a result, the center lane was reconfigured. Now there are three lanes: one dedicated left-turn lane, one for through-traffic, and one combined lane for straight and right-turning traffic.
This reduces the risk of accidents at the pedestrian crossing and improves the efficiency of through-traffic.
Changes on Bæjarháls
On Bæjarháls, there were three westbound lanes: a left-turn lane, a combined straight/left lane, and a right-turn bypass. The bypass was removed because it was found to be both hazardous and an obstacle to connecting bike and pedestrian paths.
Counts show that more than 100 cyclists cross on Bæjarháls daily, and 150 cyclists cross on Höfðabakki. Reykjavík City's biking plan calls for a main path to run along Höfðabakki and continue east through Dragháls and Krókháls to Grafarholt and Úlfarsárdalur. There will be separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and the new configuration is designed to accommodate this plan.
Accident analyses also showed that rear-end collisions were common on the right-turn bypass. Therefore, it was determined that the safest approach was to have right turns at this location controlled by traffic signals. However, the total number of lanes will remain unchanged in both directions.
Next steps
Crews are working to implement the new signal controls, after which traffic patterns will be closely monitored. If the changes have unexpected effects on the nearby street system, adjustments will be made, and the changes are expected to improve traffic flow for all road users.
Upcoming work includes signal equipment upgrades at more intersections on Höfðabakki: at Vesturlandsvegur, Dvergshöfði, Stórhöfði, and Bíldshöfði.
More information about the construction can be found on the Höfðabakki construction page.