AARoads Forum

National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: US 41 on November 14, 2013, 06:10:14 AM

Title: Exit Ramp Question
Post by: US 41 on November 14, 2013, 06:10:14 AM
I'm assuming the answer to this question is no. Is a exit ramp off of / or to a city street from / to an interstate allowed to cross a railroad track. 
Title: Re: Exit Ramp Question
Post by: froggie on November 14, 2013, 08:48:45 AM
Yes it is allowed, though for obvious reasons, it's not preferred.  As an example, the EIS plan for the I-494/CSAH 28 interchange in Bloomington, MN calls for the westbound on-ramp to cross the adjacent rail line at-grade.  This became the plan because alternatives that avoided the at-grade crossing resulted in unwanted consequences (excessive right-of-way needs or tight ramp curvature).

Meanwhile, numerous folded-diamond interchanges were built nationwide due to the preference to NOT have the ramps cross a rail line.  Many (most?) remain even if the rail line adjacent to the side road being interchanged is no longer in service.
Title: Re: Exit Ramp Question
Post by: US 41 on November 21, 2013, 10:38:57 AM
thanks
Title: Re: Exit Ramp Question
Post by: mgk920 on November 21, 2013, 11:13:37 AM
Not (yet) an interstate, but the ramps on US 10/WI 441 to and from Racine St in Menasha, WI all cross a minor railroad spur at grade.  The rail line serves a couple of industrial customers (switched daily) and the level crossings will all be retained when the freeway is upgraded to six lanes in a few years.

http://goo.gl/maps/0qQzo

Mike