Design of Intersections
Intersections are inevitable parts of any street system. A road or street intersection can be defined as the
general area where two or more roads join or cross, including the roadway and roadside facilities for
traffic movement within it. An intersection needs to be designed considering the efficiency, safety,
speed, cost of operation, and capacity that it can offer to users.
There are mainly 2 types:
1. Grade Separated Intersection
2. At-grade Intersection
Grade-Separated Intersections:
Definition: Grade separation refers to the construction of bridges or tunnels to separate intersecting
roadways at different levels. This design helps to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and enhance
safety by eliminating the potential for collisions at the intersection.
Examples:
Underpass - a type of grade separation that involves one road passing underneath another.
Overpass - is another type of grade separation that involves one road passing over another.
Trumpet Interchange - a type of road junction that allows for the efficient flow of traffic between
two major roads. It consists of a loop ramp that connects the two roads, allowing vehicles to
make easy and quick transitions from one road to the other.
Diamond Interchange - It consists of two diamond-shaped ramps that intersect at a central
point, allowing vehicles to easily merge onto or exit the main roads.
Clover Leaf Interchange. - This type of interchange features a series of loop ramps that allow for
efficient merging and exiting onto the main roads. The loops resemble the shape of a cloverleaf,
hence the name.
At-Grade Intersections:
Definition: At-grade intersections, also known as level intersections, involve roadways crossing each
other at the same level without the use of bridges or tunnels. These intersections can range from simple
four-way stops to complex multi-lane intersections. Factors such as traffic volume, roadway geometry,
and the presence of pedestrians and cyclists all influence the design and functionality of at-grade
intersections.
Types:
Unchannelized Intersection- is the most common type of intersection, where minor roads meet
and where a major road intersects with a minor road.
Channelized Intersection- Vehicles approaching an intersection are directed to definite paths by
islands, markings, etc.
Rotary Intersection - are special form of at-grade intersections laid out for the movement of
traffic in one direction around a central traffic island.
