Final answer:
A new 2-lane highway designed with 12 ft lanes and a 50 mph design speed would most likely employ a simple curve, as it provides a single continuous arc with a constant radius suitable for maintaining uniform vehicle speed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of curve being designed for a new 2-lane highway with 12 ft lanes and a design speed of 50 mph is likely a simple curve. A simple curve is a single continuous arc with a constant radius, which is appropriate for highways where vehicles maintain a uniform speed through the curve. Different types of curves like compound curves, reverse curves, and spiral curves have specific applications. For example, a compound curve consists of two or more circular arcs with different radii joined together, a reverse curve is made up of two arcs curving in opposite directions, and a spiral curve gradually changes in curvature to transition between straight and curved paths. Since the design speed and lane specifications do not imply any intricate or sudden changes in direction that would necessitate a more complex curve, a simple curve is the most straightforward option for smooth and safe navigation of the curve at the specified speed.