For curves with lengths less than 155 feet, how are measurement points averaged?

In the context of curves with lengths shorter than 155 feet, averaging measurement points throughout the entire length of the curve is essential to ensure accurate representation of the curve's geometry and performance. By averaging across the full length, it captures the continuous nature of the curve and provides a more comprehensive assessment of its characteristics rather than confining the measurement to simply the endpoints or a limited number of points.

This approach allows for a better understanding of how vehicles interact with the curve, factoring in the variations that occur along its path. It also helps in analyzing aspects such as superelevation and lateral acceleration, which can be critical for safety and comfort in handling. Since the curve is relatively short, it’s advantageous to utilize the entire curve length to gain insights and optimize design without omitting significant portions that could influence safety and performance.

In contrast, the other options would limit the analysis to too few data points or unnecessary procedures, which might lead to inaccurate conclusions about the curve's geometry and its safe usage.