Geometric Design-Intersection Design-Part D

HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC
DESIGN
INTERSECTION DESIGN:
By
Zzigwa Marvin
(BEng. MSc. Railway Engineering
Dept. Civil and Environmental Engineering.
(kyu)
3.5. INTRODUCTION
Intersection is a general area where two or more highways join
or cross, within which are included the roadway and roadside
design features which facilitate orderly traffic movements in that
area.
An intersection leg is that part of any one of the highways
@ZZIGWA MARVIN@2022@KYU
radiating from an intersection which is outside of the area of the
intersection.
The importance of intersection design stems from the fact that

efficiency of operation, safety, speed, cost of operation
and capacity are directly governed by the design.
Since an intersection involves conflicts between traffic in

different directions, its scientific design can control accidents and
delay and can lead to orderly movement of traffic. 2
3.5. INTRODUCTION
o Principles that should be considered in a good design;
a) The number of intersections should be kept to a minimum. If necessary, some minor
roads may be connected with each other before joining a major road;
b) The geometric layout should be so selected that hazardous movements by drivers are
eliminated.
b.1 Minimize the carriageway area where conflict can occur. This can be
achieved by various techniques such as channelizing.
b.2 Separate/ reduce points of conflict i. e. using two separate (Staggered)

intersection instead of a single more complicated one
3
3.5. INTRODUCTION
o Principles that should be considered in a good
design;..
c) Traffic streams should merge/diverge at flat angles and cross at right angles
d) The design should permit the driver to discern quickly either from the layout or from
traffic signs about which path he/she should follow and the actions of merging and
diverging. This can be achieved by good layout, traffic islands, signs and carriageway
markings. Good visibility improves safety;
e) The layout should follow the natural vehicle paths. Smoothness, in contrast to abrupt and
sharp corners, should guide minor streams of traffic into stopping or slowing down
positions;
f) The number of conflict points should be minimised by separating some of the many
cutting, merging or diverging movements;
4
g) Vehicles that are forced to wait in order to cross a traffic stream should be provided with
adequate space at the junction.
3.5. INTRODUCTION
o At-grade and Grade Separated Junctions
5
3.5. INTRODUCTION
o At-grade and Grade Separated Junctions…..
Grade-separated junctions generally are more expensive initially, and
are justified in certain situations. These are:
a) On high type facilities such as expressways, freeways and motorways;
b) Certain at-grade intersections which have reached the maximum capacity and
where it is
not possible to improve the capacity further by retaining the at-grade crossing;
c) At certain locations which have a proven record of bad accident history when
functioning
as at grade junctions;
d) At junctions where the traffic volume is heavy and the delays and economic loss
caused
justify the provision of grade-separation;
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e) At certain specific topographical situations where it is logical to provide a grade-
separated structure rather than an at-grade intersection, which may involve
considerable earthwork or acquisition of land.
3.5. INTRODUCTION
o Basic Forms of At-grade Intersections
7
3.5.1 AT-GRADE INTERSECTION TYPES (FROM A DESIGN PERSPECTIVE)
Different at-grade junction (intersection) types will be appropriate under
different circumstances depending on traffic flows, speeds, and site limitations.
a) An Access
Is defined as the intersection of an unclassified road with a classified road and shall
generally be provided within the road reserve boundary of the classified road.
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b) A Junction or an Intersection: At grade intersections can be classified
into two main intersection categories based on the type of control used.
The crossroads form of priority
intersection must not be used. It
has a very high number of
conflict points, and has a much
higher accident risk than any
other kind of intersection.
Existing crossroads should, where
possible, be converted to a 9
staggered intersection, or
roundabout, or be controlled by
b) A Junction or an Intersection:-Control Intersections
Control intersections are mostly used in towns and trading centres. However,
roundabouts can be used in rural areas in intersections between major roads
or other intersections with high traffic volumes.
There are two types of control intersections:
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c) Design Requirements
The design of at-grade junctions must take account of the following
basic requirements:
• safety
• operational comfort
• capacity
• economy
i) Safety and Operational Comfort
A junction is considered safe when it is perceptible, comprehensible and manoeuvrable

➢ Perception- The junction should be sited so that the major road approaches are readily
visible;
➢ Comprehensible- The types of junctions used throughout the whole road network
should be as much as possible similar; - The right of way should follow naturally and
logically from the junction layout;
➢ Maneuverability - A1l traffic lanes should be of adequate width for the appropriate 11
vehicle turning characteristics. To accommodate truck traffic, turning radii shall be 15
meters minimum;
c) Design Requirements
ii) Capacity
The operation of uncontrolled junctions depends principally upon the
frequency of gaps which naturally occur between vehicles in the main road
flow.
In consequence junctions are limited in capacity, but this capacity may be
optimized by, for example, channelisation or the separation of
manoeuvres.
iii) Economy
An economical junction design generally results from a minimization of the
construction, maintenance and operational costs.
Delay can be an important operational factor and the saving in time otherwise lost may
justify a more expensive, even grade separated, junction
Loss of lives, personal injuries and damage to vehicles caused by junction- 12
accidents are considered as operational "costs" and should be taken into

account
d) Selection of Intersection Type.
1) Selection of Intersection Category
Based on Safety
13
Based on Capacity;
The selection of intersection category based on safety should be checked for capacity;
Using relationships between the capacity and the approaching traffic
volumes during the design hour (DHV in pcu/design hour)
14
Based on Capacity;
The selection of intersection category based on safety should be checked for capacity;
Using relationships between the capacity and the approaching traffic
volumes during the design hour (DHV in pcu/design hour)
15
d) Selection of Intersection Type……..
Priority intersections
The selection of priority intersection type should mainly be based on safety.
16
Priority intersections………
17
Control intersections
Roundabouts are suitable for almost all situations, provided there is enough space.
Roundabouts have been found to be safer than signalized intersections, and are
suitable for both low and medium traffic flows.
Traffic signals are the favoured option in the larger urban areas. Co-ordinated
networks of signals (Area Traffic Control) can bring major improvements in traffic
flow and a significant reduction in delays and stoppages.
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3.5.2 CAPACITY OF A T-JUNCTION
The capacity of a T junction is primarily dependent upon the ratio of the flows on the
major and minor roads, the critical (minimum) gap in the main road traffic stream
acceptable to entering traffic and the maximum delay acceptable to minor road
vehicles.
19
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Design Reference Flow (DRF)
One of the methodologies used to assess the adequacy of the capacity available to a
non priority traffic stream is the ratio of the Design Reference Flow (DRF) to the
Capacity called the reference flow to capacity (RFC) ratio.
For the satisfactory operation of any given approach lane it is generally
considered that Design reference flow to Capacity ratio should not exceed
0.85.
Delay:
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Example:
Do the Example in your Class notes
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3.5.3 CAPACITY OF ROTARY INTERSECTIONS (ROUNDABOUTS)
A roundabout is a form of channelization intersection in which vehicles are
guided onto a one-way circulatory road about a central island.
Entry to the intersection is controlled by Give Way markings and priority is now
given to vehicles circulating (clockwise in Uganda) in the round about.
The main objective of roundabout design is to secure the safe interchange
of traffic between crossing traffic streams with the minimum delay.
a) General Usage of Roundabouts
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3.5.3 CAPACITY OF ROTARY INTERSECTIONS (ROUNDABOUTS)…
b) Types of Roundabouts
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c) Design Features of Roundabouts
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d) Capacity of Roundabouts
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d) Capacity of Roundabouts_ Example------Follow thru the class notes
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d) Capacity of Roundabouts_ Example------Follow thru the class notes
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Geometric Design-Intersection Design-Part D

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HIGHWAY GEOMETRIC

The importance of intersection design stems from the fact that

Since an intersection involves conflicts between traffic in

b.2 Separate/ reduce points of conflict i. e. using two separate (Staggered)

i) Safety and Operational Comfort

A junction is considered safe when it is perceptible, comprehensible and manoeuvrable

Loss of lives, personal injuries and damage to vehicles caused by junction- 12

accidents are considered as operational "costs" and should be taken into

The main objective of roundabout design is to secure the safe interchange

a) General Usage of Roundabouts

c) Design Features of Roundabouts

d) Capacity of Roundabouts_ Example------Follow thru the class notes

d) Capacity of Roundabouts_ Example------Follow thru the class notes

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