Intersection layout and design

Chapter 9
 Cross-section layout and design
• An intersection is an area, shared by two or
more roads, whose main function is to provide
for the change of route directions.
Intersections vary in complexity from a simple
intersection, which has only two roads
crossing at a right angle to each other, to a
more complex intersection, at which three or
more roads cross within the same area.
• Intersections are classified into three general
categories:
• grade-separated without ramps,
• grade-separated with ramps (commonly known as
interchanges), and at-grade.
• Grade-separated intersections usually consist of
structures that provide for traffic to cross at
different levels (vertical distances) without
interruption
 TYPES OF AT-GRADE INTERSECTIONS

• The basic types of at-grade intersections are T

or three-leg intersections which consist of
three approaches;
• four-leg or cross intersections, which consist
of four approaches;
• and multileg intersections, which consist of
five or more approaches
• The intersection shown in Figure 7.4a is
suitable for minor or local roads and may be
used when minor roads intersect important
highways with an intersection angle less than
30 degrees from the normal. This type of
intersection is also suitable for use in rural
two-lane highways that carry light traffic
 (c) ‘T’ Intersection (With Right-Hand Passing Lane)

(d) ‘T’ Intersection (With Divisional Island and Turning Roadways)

Intersections

An intersection: is an area, shared by two or more roads, whose main

function is to provide for the change of route direction.

Intersection vary in complexity:

– Simple intersection: tow roads crossing at right angles.

– More complex: three or more roads cross.

Drivers have to make decision on intersections concerning which of the

routes they wish to take.
Due to the above effort, which is not required at non-intersections,
Intersections tend to have high potential for crashes.
The overall traffic flow on any highway depends largely on the
performance of the intersections as they operate at lower capacity than
through sections of the road.`
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Classes of Intersections

1. Grade-separated without ramps.

2. Grade-separated with ramps (Interchanges).
3. At-grade intersections.
Grade-separated intersections usually consist of structures that provide for
traffic to cross at different levels (vertical distance) without interruption.
Potential for crashes at grade-separated intersections is reduced because
many conflicts between intersecting steams are reduced.
At-grade intersections do not provide for the flow of traffic at different
levels, therefore conflicts conflict between intersecting streams exist.

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 Types of At-Grade
Intersections
1. T or three-leg intersections: consist of 3
approaches

2. Four-leg or cross intersections: consist

of 4 approaches.

3. Multi-leg intersections: consist of 5 or

more approaches.

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T- Intersections
These are the following of
T-Intersection:
– Simplest form of T
intersection.
– Suitable for minor or local
roads.
– Suitable when minor roads
intersect important
highways with angle less
than 30 from the normal.
– Suitable for use in rural
two-lanes highway that
carry light traffic.
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T- Intersections Cont.
These are the following of T-
Intersection:
 At location of higher speeds and
turning volumes, which increase
potential of rear-end collisions, an
additional surfacing or flaring area
is provided.
 Flare is provided to separate right-
turning vehicles from through
vehicles approaching from the east

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Four-Leg Intersections
Four-Leg Intersections :
– Used mainly at
locations where minor
and local roads cross or
when minor road
crosses a major one.
– Turning volumes are
usually low.
– Roads intersect at
angles less than 30.

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Multi-leg Intersections
 Have five or more approaches.
 In order to remove some of the conflicting movements from the major
intersection to increase safety and operation, one or more of the legs are
realigned.
 For 5-leg intersection, realigning one road will create an additional T
intersection, and convert the multi-leg into a four-leg intersection.
 For 6-leg intersection, realigning two roads will create an convert the
multi-leg into a two four-leg intersections.
 Two factors to consider when realigning roads:
 The diagonal road should be realigned to the minor road.
 The distance between the intersections should be such that they can operate
independently.

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Multi-leg Intersections/ Traffic Circles

Is a circular intersection that provide a

circular traffic pattern with significant
reduction in in the crossing conflict points.
FHWA describes three types of traffic circles:
1. Rotaries.
2. Neighborhood Traffic Circles.
3. Roundabouts

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 Multi-leg Intersections/
Traffic Circles

Rotaries:
 have large diameters > 300 ft which allow speeds exceeding 30 mi/h with
min.
 horizontal deflection of the path of the through traffic.

Neighborhood Traffic Circles:

 have diameters smaller than rotaries which allow much lower speeds.
 Used at intersections of local streets as a mean of traffic calming or as an
aesthetic device.
 Consist of pavement markings not raised islands.
 May use stop control or no control at the approaches.

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Multi-leg Intersections/
Traffic Circles

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Cont.. Multi leg- intersection

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 Categories of
Roundabouts
Roundabouts can be categorized into six classes

based on the size and the environment in which they

are located.
 Mini-roundabouts.

 Urban compact roundabouts.

 Urban single-lane roundabouts.

 Urban-double-lane roundabouts.

 Rural single-lane roundabouts.

 Rural double-lane roundabouts

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See Table 7.1 for the characteristics of roundabout 9
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Design principles For At-Grade
Intersections
Objectives:

– To minimize the severity of

potential conflicts among different
streams of traffic and between
pedestrians and turning vehicles.
– To provide smooth flow of traffic
across the intersection.

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 Design principles For At-Grade
Intersections Cont.
Channelization: Separation of conflicting traffic movements into
definite paths of travel by traffic islands or pavement markings to
facilitate the safe and orderly movements of both vehicles and
pedestrians.
Traffic Island: is a defined area between traffic lanes that is used to
regulate the movement of vehicles or to serve as a pedestrian refuge.
A properly channelized intersection will result in increased capacity,
enhance safety, and increased driver confidence.
Over channelization should be avoided as it may create confusion to
motorists which may result in a lower operating level.

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 Design principles For At-Grade
Intersections Cont.
Channelization is normally used to achieve:

1. Direct paths of vehicles.

2. Control merging, diverging, or crossing angle of
vehicles.

3. Decrease vehicle wander and area of conflict by

reducing amount of paved area.
4. Provide pedestrian refuge

5. Give priority to predominant movements.

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 Design principles For At-Grade
Intersections Cont.
1. Provide clear indication of proper path.
2. Provide separate storage lanes for turning vehicles.
3. Provide space for traffic control devices.
4. Control prohibited turns.
5. Restricts speed of vehicles.
6. Separate traffic movements at signalized intersections with
multiple phase signals.

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 Design principles For At-Grade
Intersections Cont.
Factors affecting design of Channelization are:
Availability of ROW.
Terrain
Type of design vehicle.
Expected vehicular and pedestrian volumes.
Approach speeds.
Bus stop requirements.
Location and type of traffic control devices.