What are some examples of where two or more lanes on the same side of a highway/freeway end at once or in quick succession?
I-20/59 eastbound (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.3463453,-88.7593807,3a,23.1y,84.54h,84.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0cGiSHoi320WnxKS5vhH4Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) just east of where the two routes join near Meridian, MS
QEW Niagara (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2421699,-79.7411374,3a,22.3y,119.23h,87.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sCQycotQF4I1idxujifDpHA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) at the Red Hill Valley Parkway east of Hamilton, ON*
*Look back a little further (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2440768,-79.7488738,3a,46.6y,112.9h,91.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3Pat_aFfg3vHm8w3Sh02WA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) and you'll see that a through lane has also just ended, plus the pair of on-ramps that previously merged from Hwy 20, for a stunning eight lanes collapsing into three in under 2 km.
SB Jersey Turnpike just south of Exit 6.
West end of M-14 as it merges into I-94
Due to the recent rebuild of Kellogg/I-235 here in Wichita (https://goo.gl/maps/uWMfKyPMNujUkdca8)
Farther downstream (https://goo.gl/maps/vVy32m8DEB7PUMgz5)
Both of the OP examples, and the westbound I-94 example, are because of entrance ramp lanes ending. Is that really what you're looking for? I see nothing extraordinary about that. Instances of multiple existing thru lanes ending would be more interesting.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 24, 2021, 01:26:05 PM
Both of the OP examples, and the westbound I-94 example, are because of entrance ramp lanes ending. Is that really what you're looking for? I see nothing extraordinary about that. Instances of multiple existing thru lanes ending would be more interesting.
Either one is fine. To me, it's still interesting if both lanes from the on-ramp end in very quick succession (not necessarily simultaneously, but close to it). Usually, one of the following happens:
(1) at least one lane stays on until the next exit
(2) at least one lane stays on permanently, or until the next major junction
(3) one lane ends from each side of the roadway
(4) one lane ends
before the ramp joins the main roadway
That leads me to believe that this is not extremely common, but I'm interested to see how many examples are found. Maybe it will be more prevalent than I expect.
A historical one was I-64 in Newport News VA. It had consecutive lane drops westbound going from 4 lanes to 2 lanes. They were both left lane endings.
The first hasn't changed. (https://goo.gl/maps/PFAGQdPmXPsFj4er6)
The second you can still see in Streetview history (https://goo.gl/maps/38s2L53x1Zxu7PQz5).
The NJ Turnpike before the 1989 widening from 8A to 9. All three truck lanes ended south of NJ 18 in less than a quarter mile.
I do not know how currently they engineered the post Exit 6 confluence, but hopefully they did the blend more gradual.
I-15 southbound to I-215 eastbound, Murray UT (https://goo.gl/maps/NuQVZBN84cgmgymj7)
About a quarter mile ahead (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6348492,-111.8976545,65m/data=!3m1!1e3)
That section of 215 can be a nightmare to drive because most drivers don't realize after the first added lane ends that the second lane is also going to end, and there's also the State Street exit a bit further down the road which probably half of all traffic merging in from 15 south is heading towards. Combine those two factors and you get a freeway with a hell of a lot of lane changes and weaving in a relatively short time span.
(counterexample, where CT 9 southbound quickly expands from 2 lanes to 5: https://goo.gl/maps/VnJcJVvmbkUuLVLn8. In the other direction, the merge down to 2 lanes is more gradual)
Quote from: kurumi on February 24, 2021, 02:14:42 PM
(counterexample, where CT 9 southbound quickly expands from 2 lanes to 5: https://goo.gl/maps/VnJcJVvmbkUuLVLn8. In the other direction, the merge down to 2 lanes is more gradual)
Nuevo León state highway 1 says
Hold my beer (https://goo.gl/maps/qFBteKj4YYUZds4C6).
(https://i.imgur.com/LYmYZ9i.png)
Quote from: kphoger on February 24, 2021, 02:42:42 PM
Quote from: kurumi on February 24, 2021, 02:14:42 PM
(counterexample, where CT 9 southbound quickly expands from 2 lanes to 5: https://goo.gl/maps/VnJcJVvmbkUuLVLn8. In the other direction, the merge down to 2 lanes is more gradual)
Nuevo León state highway 1 says Hold my beer (https://goo.gl/maps/qFBteKj4YYUZds4C6).
(https://i.imgur.com/LYmYZ9i.png)
Aren't those beginning rather than ending? Looking at this on my phone, so it's hard to tell.
Quote from: Rothman on February 24, 2021, 02:48:00 PM
Aren't those beginning rather than ending? Looking at this on my phone, so it's hard to tell.
Yes. That's why I used it in reply to a post that contained the phrase "
counterexample, where CT 9 southbound quickly
expands from 2 lanes to 5".
Quote from: kphoger on February 24, 2021, 03:06:19 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 24, 2021, 02:48:00 PM
Aren't those beginning rather than ending? Looking at this on my phone, so it's hard to tell.
Yes. That's why I used it in reply to a post that contained the phrase "counterexample, where CT 9 southbound quickly expands from 2 lanes to 5".
Ah. So I see now.
Quote from: roadman65 on February 24, 2021, 01:49:44 PM
The NJ Turnpike before the 1989 widening from 8A to 9. All three truck lanes ended south of NJ 18 in less than a quarter mile.
I do not know how currently they engineered the post Exit 6 confluence, but hopefully they did the blend more gradual.
From the gore point to the very end of the merge area, it appears to be 3,550 feet, so roughly 2/3rds of a mile. On a gradual curve and hill.
IL-47 near I-90
This happens both directions of the Thruway near Woodbury. NB there's the merge from the former cash lanes and the ramp from NY 17 both ending; SB, the lanes from the cash booths (and future enforcement pull-off) becomes a through lane and both lanes from NY 17 end. Weirdly, they don't seem to have plans to change that when the toll booth removal happens there.
Florida's Turnpike northbound goes from 4 lanes to 2 within the span of about a half mile at the FL 50 interchange west of Orlando. Going the other way, the 2 lanes turns to 4 immediately.
https://goo.gl/maps/zHNJTZTGjsQuiY7x9
On one of my trips to Mississippi way back when, I-20/59 had the 6 lane end east of Tuscaloosa, and immediately the left lane was closed for bridge work. Ironic how the road got narrower closer to Tuscaloosa. Glad it's almost done to 359.
Counting an entrance ramp from Democracy Blvd, the I-270 spur drops from 5 to 3 lanes just before hitting the DC Beltway. On westbound MD-200, the entrance ramps from Ga. Ave and the Metro station are 2 lane ramps that go away "pretty quickly" .
Quote from: Joe The Dragon on February 24, 2021, 08:10:58 PM
IL-47 near I-90
Here is GSV (https://goo.gl/maps/3JgQdCBQnoLSsRpT9) of the second taper, with the warning sign for the third one visible in the background.
The Everett Turnpike in NH briefly squeezes down to 2 lanes each way just south of the 293/101 interchange in Bedford. Coming northbound you have 3 lanes plus 2 entering lanes from the Manchester Airport connector. The three right lanes all end in just under a mile: https://goo.gl/maps/navrjc1NjGUgRZom8
The reverse is true southbound: 3 new lanes are added on the right in the same span.
For a counterexample, we have the current temporary setup at the Charlestown Bridge in Boston, where the one northbound lane on the temporary bridge widens to FIVE lanes at once at Chelsea St: https://goo.gl/maps/aTjQzibp47ob4DSd7
I-75 at the M-13 Connector goes from four lanes in each direction to two lanes north of that exit. The farthest left lane ends, then the middle two lanes are the through lanes and the right lane becomes the M-13 Connector exit. Going in the southbound direction I-75 goes from two lanes to four with one lane starting just after the overpass of the M-13 Connector and the other continuing from the M-13 Connector to I-75 south.
This is how it's signed on the northbound side.
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.6091291,-83.9476114,3a,47.8y,352.58h,92.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sCmMCDb-NvLdysagPZI_bbQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Apologies for posting about a video game, but you guys should see the hilarious merge lanes in Grand Theft Auto 5:
(https://i.ibb.co/tK6n2cs/Los-Santos-Freeway-GTAV-copy.png)
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 25, 2021, 01:53:17 PM
Apologies for posting about a video game, but you guys should see the hilarious merge lanes in Grand Theft Auto 5:
(https://i.ibb.co/tK6n2cs/Los-Santos-Freeway-GTAV-copy.png)
Real-life example (https://goo.gl/maps/ffNwdqEvgNgQPkoEA) that I've driven through several times
Quote from: BrianP on February 24, 2021, 01:45:50 PM
A historical one was I-64 in Newport News VA. It had consecutive lane drops westbound going from 4 lanes to 2 lanes. They were both left lane endings.
The first hasn't changed. (https://goo.gl/maps/PFAGQdPmXPsFj4er6)
The second you can still see in Streetview history (https://goo.gl/maps/38s2L53x1Zxu7PQz5).
m
Oh man, that was a traffic disaster! Glad someone posted it! But, you missed one. Not only did it have 2 left hand lanes merging, the CD road from the right also merges at the same time!
When I was younger, I lived in FL. I used to think this was super common, because FL does it ALL THE TIME. here (https://goo.gl/maps/ZG7x1PXS2Acg2Cp46) 4 lanes merge to two in about half a mile at the newly constructed FL-123/FL-85 interchange. The I-10/I-110 interchange (https://goo.gl/maps/iXq4aZhiHBanNEyT9) has lots of consecutive merges, I-10 EB looses 2 lanes, and I-10 WB looses 3 lanes! And, probably my favorite example, the 595 reversible lanes (https://goo.gl/maps/qxmdWu5vpXbvLEm76) near Miami. It only takes about a half mile for 4 lanes to merge into 2, all the while there are gates and signs screaming at drivers to keep right.
The 110 north just past the 105 interchange (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.9348423,-118.2796999,18z/data=!3m1!1e3) in South Central Los Angeles.
Four through lanes traveling north on the 110 meet up with four lanes transitioning from both directions of the 105. By the time the transition lanes join the mainline, there are only two left. But these two lanes also end in rapid succession, returning to the original four-lane capacity.
Really fun during commute times. A complete bottleneck. I'm assuming the engineers thought ramp metering on the transition lanes would adequately address the continuous merging, but they were wrong.
Quote from: kphoger on February 25, 2021, 02:05:30 PM
Real-life example (https://goo.gl/maps/ffNwdqEvgNgQPkoEA) that I've driven through several times
That looks like a lawsuit waiting to happen. But anyways, it's not in the US, with our fancy FHWA standards and all, so I'm not going to take it as a serious example (that sounded a little ethnocentric, didn't it?).
I just noted this on the Inside Lanes Ending thread...NJ Turnpike, entering from Interchange 6 on both the inner and outer roadways: The 2 lane ramp from the NJ/PA Turnpike Extension ends completely about 800 feet after connecting with the NJ Turnpike mainline.
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 25, 2021, 03:59:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 25, 2021, 02:05:30 PM
Real-life example (https://goo.gl/maps/ffNwdqEvgNgQPkoEA) that I've driven through several times
That looks like a lawsuit waiting to happen. But anyways, it's not in the US, with our fancy FHWA standards and all, so I'm not going to take it as a serious example (that sounded a little ethnocentric, didn't it?).
I'm wondering how damages automatically paid for on Mexican toll roads applies to this interchange.
Quote from: 1 on February 25, 2021, 04:05:06 PM
I'm wondering how damages automatically paid for on Mexican toll roads applies to this interchange.
AFAIK, damages are only paid if they were due to the road surface itself. I'm not sure other design standards come to bear at all. But, either way, the merge point is
after the signs (https://goo.gl/maps/WvzJ1tpoCETn88Mu9) stating "end road under CAPUFE control", so it's a moot point as it's no longer a toll road at that point.
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 25, 2021, 03:59:31 PM
But anyways, it's not in the US, with our fancy FHWA standards and all, so I'm not going to take it as a serious example (that sounded a little ethnocentric, didn't it?).
Uh, yeah, it certainly did. It's like you think Mexico doesn't have its
own standards just because it doesn't have
FHWA standards.
Of course, it certainly does. Here are some .pdf documents to get you started, if you're interested:
http://www.sct.gob.mx/fileadmin/DireccionesGrales/DGST/Manuales/NUEVO-SENALAMIENTO/manualSenalamientoVialDispositivosSeguridad.pdf
https://www.sct.gob.mx/fileadmin/DireccionesGrales/DGST/Manuales/manual-pg/MPGC_2018_310718.pdf
Quote from: kphoger on February 25, 2021, 04:35:53 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 25, 2021, 03:59:31 PM
But anyways, it's not in the US, with our fancy FHWA standards and all, so I'm not going to take it as a serious example (that sounded a little ethnocentric, didn't it?).
Uh, yeah, it certainly did. It's like you think Mexico doesn't have its own standards just because it doesn't have FHWA standards.
Of course, it certainly does. Here are some .pdf documents to get you started, if you're interested:
http://www.sct.gob.mx/fileadmin/DireccionesGrales/DGST/Manuales/NUEVO-SENALAMIENTO/manualSenalamientoVialDispositivosSeguridad.pdf
https://www.sct.gob.mx/fileadmin/DireccionesGrales/DGST/Manuales/manual-pg/MPGC_2018_310718.pdf
Of course I knew Mexico has its own standards for roadway design, as does most of the developed world. It's just that highway standards vary a lot more and have different levels of adherence outside the USA. And since this forum has one lone section for
all of the highways in the world outside the US and Canada, I would
assume we mainly refer to American roads when considering examples of whatever the OP or last reply was discussing, although I welcome discussion of foreign roads as well. But you can't compare some third-world dirt path (not referring to Mexico) to the modern, paved, standardized highways we have here, and say "Lookie what I found here!!". It's inevitable that when you're talking about outside the US or other countries with a good road network, you're going to run into some instances of weird design or poor compliance, and you can't take all of those occurrences seriously.
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 25, 2021, 01:53:17 PM
Apologies for posting about a video game, but you guys should see the hilarious merge lanes in Grand Theft Auto 5:
(https://i.ibb.co/tK6n2cs/Los-Santos-Freeway-GTAV-copy.png)
Cities: Skylines can be even worse: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/322429654566245667/ :ded:
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge has to meet this criteria because from the Toll plaza to the bridge westbound you have multiple lanes merging together into 5 lanes.
Former: Northbound I-5 at Exit 294 (OR 99W), a 3+3 merge going up Capitol Hill - 6 lanes merged down to 3. Middle two merged right away, then middle and second to right merged, then later, at the crest the right two merged. Still relatively slow overall reduction, accounting for the right hand truck lane.
Now the OR 99W n -> I-5 n/I-5 Truck ramp got narrowed to two lanes, and right lane merges left both times, for a slow 5 to 3.
Quote from: vdeane on February 25, 2021, 08:03:51 PM
Cities: Skylines can be even worse: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/322429654566245667/ :ded:
That's why you always have to do your lane mathematics (https://www.biffagaming.com/).
Costa Rica example:
https://www.google.com/maps/@9.9989773,-84.1983664,106m/data=!3m1!1e3
Quote from: kphoger on February 25, 2021, 02:05:30 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 25, 2021, 01:53:17 PM
Apologies for posting about a video game, but you guys should see the hilarious merge lanes in Grand Theft Auto 5:
[img snipped]
Real-life example (https://goo.gl/maps/ffNwdqEvgNgQPkoEA) that I've driven through several times
If they're not going to provide any merging space, these should be signalized,
like this (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0890154,-77.6392783,3a,45.6y,247.81h,86.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLPpt0qvEej7nM-XetFK6Og!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on February 26, 2021, 01:53:27 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 25, 2021, 08:03:51 PM
Cities: Skylines can be even worse: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/322429654566245667/ :ded:
That's why you always have to do your lane mathematics (https://www.biffagaming.com/).
I wonder if there are any mods that fix the "all striping disappears in ramp merges and/or change in road type" problem caused by the game treating them as intersections no different than any other, aside from the lack of traffic lights/stop signs.
I drive through this ramp pretty frequently. The entrance ramp from NC 54 to I-40. Three lanes drops down to one. It could even be said that these three lanes merge into zero, since the ramp lane itself ends.
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.9122808,-78.983018,3a,67.4y,128.78h,82.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0hzYPdNg6LslkotAqMe3gw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Quote from: webny99 on February 26, 2021, 08:05:06 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 25, 2021, 02:05:30 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 25, 2021, 01:53:17 PM
Apologies for posting about a video game, but you guys should see the hilarious merge lanes in Grand Theft Auto 5:
[img snipped]
Real-life example (https://goo.gl/maps/ffNwdqEvgNgQPkoEA) that I've driven through several times
If they're not going to provide any merging space, these should be signalized, like this (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0890154,-77.6392783,3a,45.6y,247.81h,86.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLPpt0qvEej7nM-XetFK6Og!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).
It's actually not bad as it is, because the merge point is just downstream of a toll booth on the "main" road. Thus traffic, especially in the right lane, isn't going too fast. Traffic counts are also low there: the toll road had a 2019 AADT of 3185, and the free road had 4177 at the next count site upstream (west).
Not sure if you're looking for lane drops or losing lanes to exits.
In Shreveport, LA, I-20 has 5 lanes eastbound where I-49 merges in. 2 very quick exits and you're down to 2 lanes leading out of Shreveport into Bossier City. It was always fun coming off of 49 north to 20 east moving over 3 lanes.
iPhone
Quote from: kphoger on February 26, 2021, 02:45:56 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 26, 2021, 08:05:06 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 25, 2021, 02:05:30 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 25, 2021, 01:53:17 PM
Apologies for posting about a video game, but you guys should see the hilarious merge lanes in Grand Theft Auto 5:
[img snipped]
Real-life example (https://goo.gl/maps/ffNwdqEvgNgQPkoEA) that I've driven through several times
If they're not going to provide any merging space, these should be signalized, like this (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0890154,-77.6392783,3a,45.6y,247.81h,86.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLPpt0qvEej7nM-XetFK6Og!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).
It's actually not bad as it is, because the merge point is just downstream of a toll booth on the "main" road. Thus traffic, especially in the right lane, isn't going too fast. Traffic counts are also low there: the toll road had a 2019 AADT of 3185, and the free road had 4177 at the next count site upstream (west).
When has "traffic isn't going too fast" ever been an excuse to construct unsafe roads?
Since it isn't really unsafe, what with the traffic not going very fast.
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 26, 2021, 08:44:11 PM
When has "traffic isn't going too fast" ever been an excuse to construct unsafe roads?
This happens a lot with toll booths. Look at this (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7411469,-73.9518072,3a,75y,49.48h,91.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snbawPpIt44Qr2a34xnnZvA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en). Or this (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6456054,-88.7535936,3a,75y,39.57h,84.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sC4ECNMOcUlBcfrQvWGeTLQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en). Both former toll booth locations (the latter to funnel all traffic through the booths). It's also the reason why most freeways in Canada that end at the border have at-grades just north of it - the Canadians don't see the need to construct a full freeway all the way because traffic stops for customs anyways.
Quote from: vdeane on February 26, 2021, 12:41:31 PM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on February 26, 2021, 01:53:27 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 25, 2021, 08:03:51 PM
Cities: Skylines can be even worse: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/322429654566245667/ :ded:
That's why you always have to do your lane mathematics (https://www.biffagaming.com/).
I wonder if there are any mods that fix the "all striping disappears in ramp merges and/or change in road type" problem caused by the game treating them as intersections no different than any other, aside from the lack of traffic lights/stop signs.
You can install mods like TPME and then set them so that the mainline should continue through and the merging lane should give way.
Quote from: vdeane on February 26, 2021, 10:40:32 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 26, 2021, 08:44:11 PM
When has "traffic isn't going too fast" ever been an excuse to construct unsafe roads?
This happens a lot with toll booths. Look at this (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7411469,-73.9518072,3a,75y,49.48h,91.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snbawPpIt44Qr2a34xnnZvA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en). Or this (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6456054,-88.7535936,3a,75y,39.57h,84.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sC4ECNMOcUlBcfrQvWGeTLQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en). Both former toll booth locations (the latter to funnel all traffic through the booths). It's also the reason why most freeways in Canada that end at the border have at-grades just north of it - the Canadians don't see the need to construct a full freeway all the way because traffic stops for customs anyways.
But at least in those, there's stop and yield signs, so the legal aspect of it is satisfied. Whereas with the Mexico example, two rights-of-way literally just run into each other with no merging situation, and the transportation officials could be held liable for any damages (at least if it were in the US).
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 27, 2021, 03:50:59 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 26, 2021, 10:40:32 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 26, 2021, 08:44:11 PM
When has "traffic isn't going too fast" ever been an excuse to construct unsafe roads?
This happens a lot with toll booths. Look at this (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7411469,-73.9518072,3a,75y,49.48h,91.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snbawPpIt44Qr2a34xnnZvA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en). Or this (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6456054,-88.7535936,3a,75y,39.57h,84.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sC4ECNMOcUlBcfrQvWGeTLQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en). Both former toll booth locations (the latter to funnel all traffic through the booths). It's also the reason why most freeways in Canada that end at the border have at-grades just north of it - the Canadians don't see the need to construct a full freeway all the way because traffic stops for customs anyways.
But at least in those, there's stop and yield signs, so the legal aspect of it is satisfied. Whereas with the Mexico example, two rights-of-way literally just run into each other with no merging situation, and the transportation officials could be held liable for any damages (at least if it were in the US).
In the US there are numerous approvals when it comes to engineering and funding. The governments are usually protected against lawsuits on these type instances. So it's not really as cut and dry as you're making it out to be.
Quote from: vdeane on February 26, 2021, 10:40:32 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 26, 2021, 08:44:11 PM
When has "traffic isn't going too fast" ever been an excuse to construct unsafe roads?
This happens a lot with toll booths. Look at this (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7411469,-73.9518072,3a,75y,49.48h,91.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snbawPpIt44Qr2a34xnnZvA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en). Or this (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6456054,-88.7535936,3a,75y,39.57h,84.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sC4ECNMOcUlBcfrQvWGeTLQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en). Both former toll booth locations (the latter to funnel all traffic through the booths). It's also the reason why most freeways in Canada that end at the border have at-grades just north of it - the Canadians don't see the need to construct a full freeway all the way because traffic stops for customs anyways.
And how about
where five lanes suddenly converge into two lanes (https://goo.gl/maps/gJWW7fb2rf6VA2q17) immediately past a toll booth?
Or where
six lanes suddenly converge into two lanes (https://goo.gl/maps/k2uHM7cx7q2ToQG17)?
These don't seem to be a problem, even without yield signs.
Quote from: kphoger on February 27, 2021, 04:04:02 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 26, 2021, 10:40:32 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 26, 2021, 08:44:11 PM
When has "traffic isn't going too fast" ever been an excuse to construct unsafe roads?
This happens a lot with toll booths. Look at this (https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7411469,-73.9518072,3a,75y,49.48h,91.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snbawPpIt44Qr2a34xnnZvA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en). Or this (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6456054,-88.7535936,3a,75y,39.57h,84.34t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sC4ECNMOcUlBcfrQvWGeTLQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en). Both former toll booth locations (the latter to funnel all traffic through the booths). It's also the reason why most freeways in Canada that end at the border have at-grades just north of it - the Canadians don't see the need to construct a full freeway all the way because traffic stops for customs anyways.
And how about where five lanes suddenly converge into two lanes (https://goo.gl/maps/gJWW7fb2rf6VA2q17) immediately past a toll booth?
Or where six lanes suddenly converge into two lanes (https://goo.gl/maps/k2uHM7cx7q2ToQG17)?
These don't seem to be a problem, even without yield signs.
Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden: 13 lanes into 2, 3 or 4 lanes, depending on the number of lanes open on the bridge.
NJ Turnpike Exit 1: 14 lanes ultimately narrow down to 1 lane!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5iwHFQRkahBzdjXR6
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 27, 2021, 03:56:37 PM
In the US there are numerous approvals when it comes to engineering and funding. The governments are usually protected against lawsuits on these type instances. So it's not really as cut and dry as you're making it out to be.
That's why I said they
could be held liable. Never said it was a certainty.
Quote from: kphoger on February 27, 2021, 04:04:02 PM
And how about where five lanes suddenly converge into two lanes (https://goo.gl/maps/gJWW7fb2rf6VA2q17) immediately past a toll booth?
Or where six lanes suddenly converge into two lanes (https://goo.gl/maps/k2uHM7cx7q2ToQG17)?
These don't seem to be a problem, even without yield signs.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 27, 2021, 04:16:22 PM
Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden: 13 lanes into 2, 3 or 4 lanes, depending on the number of lanes open on the bridge.
NJ Turnpike Exit 1: 14 lanes ultimately narrow down to 1 lane!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5iwHFQRkahBzdjXR6
No. The one I was referring to, in the first one that vdeane linked, the lane lines were still marked, so vehicles following those lines (aka the law) would unreasonably conflict with other vehicles. Yes, obviously at toll booths many lanes converge into few, but the line markings disappear, giving drivers more leeway and also more responsibility to get into formation again before continuing on the road. Also, it's a
former toll booth, so of course it has proper ROW signage, but if you look at the old GSV there are still yield signs, so it's always been that way.
Quote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 12:06:50 PMQuote from: ElishaGOtis on December 08, 2025, 01:18:36 PMI think this has been brought up before, but I'm not entirely sure. Is there an official name for this slip road join configuration where one lane splits off and joins the main carriageway, then the next lane joins? What is the benefit of this versus either ending the lane early on the slip road, or a standard taper? There's a ton of these I found in the UK.
Quote from: cockroachking on December 08, 2025, 04:01:12 PMIt seems to make sense to me in that the "faster" of the two lanes (left here, right in UK) merges into the mainline first, giving more time for slower vehicles in the outer lane to match the speed of the mainline. While the US "double parallel" method allows for the same, the UK "double taper" method somewhat forces the proper behavior instead of allowing "anything goes."
Yeah, this is probably the most awesome one of all:
- Multi-lane entrance ramps merge into the mainline one lane at a time instead of one merging into the other first. This is the functional equivalent of an option lane in reverse, which spreads out the merge and keeps traffic balanced between the lanes instead of crowding the inside lane.
Bit of a bump here, but just wanted to share this here for those that might not follow the UK Roads thread:
The UK uses a unique and IMO superior style of merge for multi-lane entrance ramps - see
here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/vQhusTcsJyghGDyg9) and
here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jn9q61R6uczfcAU5A) for examples. It looks a little weird at first but works way better in practice than one ramp lane merging into the other.
Quote from: kphoger on February 25, 2021, 02:05:30 PMQuote from: interstatefan990 on February 25, 2021, 01:53:17 PMApologies for posting about a video game, but you guys should see the hilarious merge lanes in Grand Theft Auto 5:
(https://i.ibb.co/tK6n2cs/Los-Santos-Freeway-GTAV-copy.png)
Real-life example (https://goo.gl/maps/ffNwdqEvgNgQPkoEA) that I've driven through several times
Another real life example (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3725806,-71.1314255,311m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) I have to drive thru on a near-daily basis in Boston (DCR) - this is coming off of Soldiers Field Rd (SFR) westbound in Boston to get to the Eliot Bridge WB to Gerrys Landing Rd (to get to Watertown and points on Route 2/3).
Two lanes coming off SFR WB to exit onto Eliot Br - only for both to merge into the right lane from SFR EB.
What makes it even more fun, is if you want to hop on Fresh Pond Pkwy or Mt Auburn St from Eliot Br, from that ramp at the Greenough intersection, you have to stay in the far left lane to turn right, and then merge with traffic from Greenough Blvd EB. Otherwise, if you turn right using the far right lane instead of the thru-right lane, you must immediately merge left after turning from the Greenough intersection (the same lane from the thru-right lane mentioned above), otherwise, you end up back on Memorial Drive EB...
See the route of what I mean above. (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/42.3717656,-71.1269524/42.3739984,-71.1357764/@42.3722404,-71.1350513,450m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0!5m1!1e1?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)
Quote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 08:56:09 PMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 12:06:50 PMQuote from: ElishaGOtis on December 08, 2025, 01:18:36 PMI think this has been brought up before, but I'm not entirely sure. Is there an official name for this slip road join configuration where one lane splits off and joins the main carriageway, then the next lane joins? What is the benefit of this versus either ending the lane early on the slip road, or a standard taper? There's a ton of these I found in the UK.
Quote from: cockroachking on December 08, 2025, 04:01:12 PMIt seems to make sense to me in that the "faster" of the two lanes (left here, right in UK) merges into the mainline first, giving more time for slower vehicles in the outer lane to match the speed of the mainline. While the US "double parallel" method allows for the same, the UK "double taper" method somewhat forces the proper behavior instead of allowing "anything goes."
Yeah, this is probably the most awesome one of all:
- Multi-lane entrance ramps merge into the mainline one lane at a time instead of one merging into the other first. This is the functional equivalent of an option lane in reverse, which spreads out the merge and keeps traffic balanced between the lanes instead of crowding the inside lane.
Bit of a bump here, but just wanted to share this here for those that might not follow the UK Roads thread:
The UK uses a unique and IMO superior style of merge for multi-lane entrance ramps - see here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/vQhusTcsJyghGDyg9) and here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jn9q61R6uczfcAU5A) for examples. It looks a little weird at first but works way better in practice than one ramp lane merging into the other.
According to the FHWA, these "ghost island" / "tiger tail" merge configurations could reduce exit delays by up to 80% :wow:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/operations/20008/index.cfm
Quote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 08:56:09 PMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 12:06:50 PMQuote from: ElishaGOtis on December 08, 2025, 01:18:36 PMI think this has been brought up before, but I'm not entirely sure. Is there an official name for this slip road join configuration where one lane splits off and joins the main carriageway, then the next lane joins? What is the benefit of this versus either ending the lane early on the slip road, or a standard taper? There's a ton of these I found in the UK.
Quote from: cockroachking on December 08, 2025, 04:01:12 PMIt seems to make sense to me in that the "faster" of the two lanes (left here, right in UK) merges into the mainline first, giving more time for slower vehicles in the outer lane to match the speed of the mainline. While the US "double parallel" method allows for the same, the UK "double taper" method somewhat forces the proper behavior instead of allowing "anything goes."
Yeah, this is probably the most awesome one of all:
- Multi-lane entrance ramps merge into the mainline one lane at a time instead of one merging into the other first. This is the functional equivalent of an option lane in reverse, which spreads out the merge and keeps traffic balanced between the lanes instead of crowding the inside lane.
Bit of a bump here, but just wanted to share this here for those that might not follow the UK Roads thread:
The UK uses a unique and IMO superior style of merge for multi-lane entrance ramps - see here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/vQhusTcsJyghGDyg9) and here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jn9q61R6uczfcAU5A) for examples. It looks a little weird at first but works way better in practice than one ramp lane merging into the other.
See the new merge at I-81 SB/I-481 SB (to be BL 81 SB/I-81 SB)... ;D
Quote from: Rothman on May 17, 2026, 01:39:32 AMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 08:56:09 PMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 12:06:50 PMQuote from: ElishaGOtis on December 08, 2025, 01:18:36 PMI think this has been brought up before, but I'm not entirely sure. Is there an official name for this slip road join configuration where one lane splits off and joins the main carriageway, then the next lane joins? What is the benefit of this versus either ending the lane early on the slip road, or a standard taper? There's a ton of these I found in the UK.
Quote from: cockroachking on December 08, 2025, 04:01:12 PMIt seems to make sense to me in that the "faster" of the two lanes (left here, right in UK) merges into the mainline first, giving more time for slower vehicles in the outer lane to match the speed of the mainline. While the US "double parallel" method allows for the same, the UK "double taper" method somewhat forces the proper behavior instead of allowing "anything goes."
Yeah, this is probably the most awesome one of all:
- Multi-lane entrance ramps merge into the mainline one lane at a time instead of one merging into the other first. This is the functional equivalent of an option lane in reverse, which spreads out the merge and keeps traffic balanced between the lanes instead of crowding the inside lane.
Bit of a bump here, but just wanted to share this here for those that might not follow the UK Roads thread:
The UK uses a unique and IMO superior style of merge for multi-lane entrance ramps - see here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/vQhusTcsJyghGDyg9) and here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jn9q61R6uczfcAU5A) for examples. It looks a little weird at first but works way better in practice than one ramp lane merging into the other.
See the new merge at I-81 SB/I-481 SB (to be BL 81 SB/I-81 SB)... ;D
Which one? :bigass:
Quote from: ElishaGOtis on May 17, 2026, 05:55:51 AMQuote from: Rothman on May 17, 2026, 01:39:32 AMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 08:56:09 PMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 12:06:50 PMQuote from: ElishaGOtis on December 08, 2025, 01:18:36 PMI think this has been brought up before, but I'm not entirely sure. Is there an official name for this slip road join configuration where one lane splits off and joins the main carriageway, then the next lane joins? What is the benefit of this versus either ending the lane early on the slip road, or a standard taper? There's a ton of these I found in the UK.
Quote from: cockroachking on December 08, 2025, 04:01:12 PMIt seems to make sense to me in that the "faster" of the two lanes (left here, right in UK) merges into the mainline first, giving more time for slower vehicles in the outer lane to match the speed of the mainline. While the US "double parallel" method allows for the same, the UK "double taper" method somewhat forces the proper behavior instead of allowing "anything goes."
Yeah, this is probably the most awesome one of all:
- Multi-lane entrance ramps merge into the mainline one lane at a time instead of one merging into the other first. This is the functional equivalent of an option lane in reverse, which spreads out the merge and keeps traffic balanced between the lanes instead of crowding the inside lane.
Bit of a bump here, but just wanted to share this here for those that might not follow the UK Roads thread:
The UK uses a unique and IMO superior style of merge for multi-lane entrance ramps - see here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/vQhusTcsJyghGDyg9) and here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jn9q61R6uczfcAU5A) for examples. It looks a little weird at first but works way better in practice than one ramp lane merging into the other.
See the new merge at I-81 SB/I-481 SB (to be BL 81 SB/I-81 SB)... ;D
Which one? :bigass:
Southern interchange. :bigass: :bigass:
Quote from: Rothman on May 17, 2026, 07:55:52 AMQuote from: ElishaGOtis on May 17, 2026, 05:55:51 AMQuote from: Rothman on May 17, 2026, 01:39:32 AMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 08:56:09 PMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 12:06:50 PMQuote from: ElishaGOtis on December 08, 2025, 01:18:36 PMI think this has been brought up before, but I'm not entirely sure. Is there an official name for this slip road join configuration where one lane splits off and joins the main carriageway, then the next lane joins? What is the benefit of this versus either ending the lane early on the slip road, or a standard taper? There's a ton of these I found in the UK.
Quote from: cockroachking on December 08, 2025, 04:01:12 PMIt seems to make sense to me in that the "faster" of the two lanes (left here, right in UK) merges into the mainline first, giving more time for slower vehicles in the outer lane to match the speed of the mainline. While the US "double parallel" method allows for the same, the UK "double taper" method somewhat forces the proper behavior instead of allowing "anything goes."
Yeah, this is probably the most awesome one of all:
- Multi-lane entrance ramps merge into the mainline one lane at a time instead of one merging into the other first. This is the functional equivalent of an option lane in reverse, which spreads out the merge and keeps traffic balanced between the lanes instead of crowding the inside lane.
Bit of a bump here, but just wanted to share this here for those that might not follow the UK Roads thread:
The UK uses a unique and IMO superior style of merge for multi-lane entrance ramps - see here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/vQhusTcsJyghGDyg9) and here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jn9q61R6uczfcAU5A) for examples. It looks a little weird at first but works way better in practice than one ramp lane merging into the other.
See the new merge at I-81 SB/I-481 SB (to be BL 81 SB/I-81 SB)... ;D
Which one? :bigass:
Southern interchange. :bigass: :bigass:
Am I missing something? I don't believe that matches what is being described from the UK example.
Quote from: vdeane on May 17, 2026, 11:54:27 AMQuote from: Rothman on May 17, 2026, 07:55:52 AMQuote from: ElishaGOtis on May 17, 2026, 05:55:51 AMQuote from: Rothman on May 17, 2026, 01:39:32 AMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 08:56:09 PMQuote from: webny99 on May 16, 2026, 12:06:50 PMQuote from: ElishaGOtis on December 08, 2025, 01:18:36 PMI think this has been brought up before, but I'm not entirely sure. Is there an official name for this slip road join configuration where one lane splits off and joins the main carriageway, then the next lane joins? What is the benefit of this versus either ending the lane early on the slip road, or a standard taper? There's a ton of these I found in the UK.
Quote from: cockroachking on December 08, 2025, 04:01:12 PMIt seems to make sense to me in that the "faster" of the two lanes (left here, right in UK) merges into the mainline first, giving more time for slower vehicles in the outer lane to match the speed of the mainline. While the US "double parallel" method allows for the same, the UK "double taper" method somewhat forces the proper behavior instead of allowing "anything goes."
Yeah, this is probably the most awesome one of all:
- Multi-lane entrance ramps merge into the mainline one lane at a time instead of one merging into the other first. This is the functional equivalent of an option lane in reverse, which spreads out the merge and keeps traffic balanced between the lanes instead of crowding the inside lane.
Bit of a bump here, but just wanted to share this here for those that might not follow the UK Roads thread:
The UK uses a unique and IMO superior style of merge for multi-lane entrance ramps - see here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/vQhusTcsJyghGDyg9) and here (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jn9q61R6uczfcAU5A) for examples. It looks a little weird at first but works way better in practice than one ramp lane merging into the other.
See the new merge at I-81 SB/I-481 SB (to be BL 81 SB/I-81 SB)... ;D
Which one? :bigass:
Southern interchange. :bigass: :bigass:
Am I missing something? I don't believe that matches what is being described from the UK example.
Meh, BL 81 merges into I-81 with two consecutive right lane drops. :bigass: :bigass: :bigass:
Quote from: kphoger on February 25, 2021, 02:05:30 PMReal-life example (https://goo.gl/maps/ffNwdqEvgNgQPkoEA) that I've driven through several times
I like the overhead sign just upstream that appears to thank me for preferring roads and bridges. Coahuila apparently hates train foamers and ferry geeks.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2026, 05:07:27 AMI like the overhead sign just upstream that appears to thank me for preferring roads and bridges. Coahuila apparently hates train foamers and ferry geeks.
I'm not sure if you're joking and know the real answer, or if you really don't know. So here goes.
Most toll roads in Mexico are managed by CAPUFE, which stands for
Federal Roads & Bridges (
Caminos y
Puntes
Federales) and is a division of the SCT (or SICT, if you're hip to the new name, which I'm not yet). The overhead sign you mentioned is is at the end of a toll road, where it and the free road come back together again for the remainder of the trip into Saltillo. The sign is thanking you for choosing (preferring) to use the toll road. And it signs its name at the bottom of the sign:
Sincerely yours, Roads & Bridges.
Back at the other end of the toll road, where you first chose (preferred) to use the toll road instead of the free road, you were greeted with
this friendly welcome sign (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2cM3orr7YtLaoAwQ8).
Quote from: Rothman on May 17, 2026, 03:34:25 PMQuote from: vdeane on May 17, 2026, 11:54:27 AMAm I missing something? I don't believe that matches what is being described from the UK example.
Meh, BL 81 merges into I-81 with two consecutive right lane drops.
Just keep driving south: the
I-88 merge into I-81 SB (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVerUgtbgJt4Zho76) is functionally very similar to the UK style merge (except the outside lane becomes exit only instead of merging).
Quote from: webny99 on May 18, 2026, 11:58:57 AMJust keep driving south: the I-88 merge into I-81 SB (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVerUgtbgJt4Zho76) is functionally very similar to the UK style merge (except the outside lane becomes exit only instead of merging).
I think of that one as a variant of the GTA example, just with the right lane becoming an exit only lane. The left lane is essentially an inverse option lane, with no merge room of its own - traffic must do a zipper merge immediately.
Quote from: webny99 on May 18, 2026, 11:58:57 AMQuote from: Rothman on May 17, 2026, 03:34:25 PMQuote from: vdeane on May 17, 2026, 11:54:27 AMAm I missing something? I don't believe that matches what is being described from the UK example.
Meh, BL 81 merges into I-81 with two consecutive right lane drops.
Just keep driving south: the I-88 merge into I-81 SB (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVerUgtbgJt4Zho76) is functionally very similar to the UK style merge (except the outside lane becomes exit only instead of merging).
I'd say that's more of an interior lane merge situation (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?msg=2622198) rather than the UK-style merge, something akin to this in Amesbury, MA at I-495's northern terminus at I-95 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7xrywkBKj9nv52mUA?g_st=ic).
While we're on the topic on that last thread I linked, there is this example in Peabody (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?msg=2834938), where the right lane of traffic that just exited off of I-95 is ending while US 1 traffic is also "adding" a lane here...
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2026, 10:20:15 AMQuote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2026, 05:07:27 AMI like the overhead sign just upstream that appears to thank me for preferring roads and bridges. Coahuila apparently hates train foamers and ferry geeks.
I'm not sure if you're joking and know the real answer, or if you really don't know. So here goes.
Most toll roads in Mexico are managed by CAPUFE, which stands for Federal Roads & Bridges (Caminos y Puntes Federales) and is a division of the SCT (or SICT, if you're hip to the new name, which I'm not yet). The overhead sign you mentioned is is at the end of a toll road, where it and the free road come back together again for the remainder of the trip into Saltillo. The sign is thanking you for choosing (preferring) to use the toll road. And it signs its name at the bottom of the sign: Sincerely yours, Roads & Bridges.
Back at the other end of the toll road, where you first chose (preferred) to use the toll road instead of the free road, you were greeted with this friendly welcome sign (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2cM3orr7YtLaoAwQ8).
I figured it was something like that from the context, but given how generic the name is, I thought it was funny.
Quote from: fwydriver405 on May 18, 2026, 12:59:35 PMQuote from: webny99 on May 18, 2026, 11:58:57 AMQuote from: Rothman on May 17, 2026, 03:34:25 PMQuote from: vdeane on May 17, 2026, 11:54:27 AMAm I missing something? I don't believe that matches what is being described from the UK example.
Meh, BL 81 merges into I-81 with two consecutive right lane drops.
Just keep driving south: the I-88 merge into I-81 SB (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVerUgtbgJt4Zho76) is functionally very similar to the UK style merge (except the outside lane becomes exit only instead of merging).
I'd say that's more of an interior lane merge situation (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?msg=2622198) rather than the UK-style merge, something akin to this in Amesbury, MA at I-495's northern terminus at I-95 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7xrywkBKj9nv52mUA?g_st=ic).
While we're on the topic on that last thread I linked, there is this example in Peabody (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?msg=2834938), where the right lane of traffic that just exited off of I-95 is ending while US 1 traffic is also "adding" a lane here...
Immediately north of there, the on ramp to I-95 NB would be the PERFECT place for a UK-style ghost island merge imho https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBi6dgYpctgPnw3c6?g_st=ic
I still can't believe there are only about 2-ish pure definition examples in the USA despite the benefits... is anyone aware of any more other than the one in NJ and the one in TX?
I don't use like to use the word overpowered much when it comes to roadway designs, but when I went to use the one in NJ last week, DANG was it OP :wow:
(Technically more if you count intersection-related condition, but not really...
Or this: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bhZhu8HZiraZ8fbg8?g_st=ic )
I-74 EB just east of the eastern I-465 interchange (https://maps.app.goo.gl/9SkWrNUJXZL1TSfy5): two right lanes ending. The rightmost lane (first lane that ends) is the one I-74 EB through traffic uses when leaving the I-465 concurrency, and the second to right lane comes from I-465 SB. So the two lanes that don't end here are the two least important lanes.
This merge (https://maps.app.goo.gl/zYLoMBojXT3q2RbH7) from Eastport Dr onto the QEW in Hamilton, ON is one of the most literal examples you'll ever see. The inside lane starts ending before the outside lane fully ends. It even looks jarring from a distance.
On I-195 EB at MA 140 in New Bedford, MA, the onramp from 140 NB merges into the right lane just as the right lane itself ends. https://maps.app.goo.gl/uvKMospXWKCM9kc76
The opposite direction, where 2 lanes widen to 3 + the deceleration lane for the 140 NB exit, looks like the above example on the QEW in reverse... the lane markings are awkwardly painted so that at one point, there's about a half-width deceleration lane plus a one-and-a-half-width right lane that's about to split in two.
Quote from: fwydriver405 on May 16, 2026, 11:09:12 PMAnother real life example (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3725806,-71.1314255,311m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) I have to drive thru on a near-daily basis in Boston (DCR) - this is coming off of Soldiers Field Rd (SFR) westbound in Boston to get to the Eliot Bridge WB to Gerrys Landing Rd (to get to Watertown and points on Route 2/3).
Geez, not even a yellow diamond merge sign? And then you have this (https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2024/12/massachusetts-has-the-worst-drivers-in-the-us-study-finds.html) added to the equation...
Waze introduced a somewhat-new feature recently to warn drivers of multiple lanes merging in a short period. In most of the USA to qualify for one of these markers, it needs to satisfy these conditions (per editor discretion):
QuoteMultiple Lanes Merging PH should be added where two or more lanes merge together in a manner that presents a potential hazard. This may include:
- merges that occur within a segment (e.g., the number of lanes are reduced on a segment).
- merges where two or more segments merge at a junction node or multiple junction nodes in close proximity to form a single post-merge segment.
While lane guidance may provide a user the proper lanes to use for navigation, this hazard alerts users to be aware of traffic merging into their lane from one or both sides, even if they themselves do not need to change lanes. This hazard may be added in situations where:
- multiple lanes of a segment merge together in a short space and/or time. This may be in tandem with one or more merges from other segments and/or where lanes become exit only (e.g., multiple on-ramps into a ramp or roadway in a short distance or merging traffic must change lanes as some lanes become exit only instead).
- traffic from two or more merging segments may need to merge across/change lanes in a short space and/or time to reach an intended upcoming segment.
- uncommon/unique merging patterns exist (e.g., the inner lanes of merging segments merge into a new center lane but the outer lanes of the merged roadway continue without a lane change).
- a merge may not be obvious to the thru traffic on the "main" road of the merge due to a visual obstruction (e.g. rock ledge, vegetation, noise barrier, tunnel wall). As an exception to multiple lanes, this may be added where a single lane merges into a single-lane road if visual conditions constitute a potential hazard. Placement of a PH for this type of situation should be made in consultation with local leadership.
Quote from: interstatefan990 on May 23, 2026, 12:37:12 PMQuote from: fwydriver405 on May 16, 2026, 11:09:12 PMAnother real life example (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3725806,-71.1314255,311m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1?hl=en&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) I have to drive thru on a near-daily basis in Boston (DCR) - this is coming off of Soldiers Field Rd (SFR) westbound in Boston to get to the Eliot Bridge WB to Gerrys Landing Rd (to get to Watertown and points on Route 2/3).
Geez, not even a yellow diamond merge sign? And then you have this (https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2024/12/massachusetts-has-the-worst-drivers-in-the-us-study-finds.html) added to the equation...
Funnily enough, I just drove thru this intersection today, and DCR installed merge signs on both approaches. Not sure how recent this was, as I sometimes take a different route going home not through this intersection.
A historic one in Shakopee, MN where the two lanes coming in to southbound US 169 from TH 13/Scott County 101 quickly nested together in the earlier days of the bypass freeway. Eventually the "second" ending lane was extended to be an exit only lane at Canterbury Park Road.
Quote from: fwydriver405 on July 10, 2026, 09:18:27 PMFunnily enough, I just drove thru this intersection today, and DCR installed merge signs on both approaches. Not sure how recent this was, as I sometimes take a different route going home not through this intersection.
Prayers have been answered.
Three that I know of:
Arcata, CA (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fcCq9fjG4Tmr5Kby7), where the right lane (removed to build a roundabout) ends 100ft after a merge.
(https://i.imgur.com/N6xeWzk.jpeg)
US-20, Albany, NY (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q2dYgAhuVwW2L3L4A), where two left lanes (that would have connected to the cancelled South Mall Expy) end within 125ft of each other.
(https://i.imgur.com/9N44MT5.png)
US-9, Albany, NY (https://maps.app.goo.gl/N2Xeu3HMg9TC362y5), where it transitions from 8+ lane freeway to 2 lane surface street. The right lane ends at the same time as a merge, then a third right lane ends 300ft after.
(https://i.imgur.com/15mwyTX.jpeg)
On that note, a more intentional/strategic example is the NJTP where it shifts (https://maps.app.goo.gl/f12QSuVgg8RcXqAJ7) from 12 total lanes to 6. Interestingly, while there are three consecutive lane drops, none of them are actually simultaneous. They're staggered so that the left lanes merge first, then the center lanes, and then the right lanes. And to NJTP's credit, it works very well and backups are rare.
The contrast with a theoretically very similar situation (https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTwnmSymwi87Nn2t8) in Fredericksburg, VA is jarring. I know it's not exactly 1:1 for a couple reasons (there's a higher percentage of traffic exiting the NJTP at I-95 than there is exiting to VA 3 in Fredericksburg, all trucks are on the right on the NJTP, etc.) but I do think there is something to be learned from the NJTP's approach in that it creates extremely clear expectations and is designed for merging to occur at high speeds, creating a much smoother high-volume merge than the traditional "right lane yield to merging traffic" that inevitably clogs the left lane(s) and leads to major backups.
Does I-405 south of CA 118 count? You have three lanes from the transition ramps merge into the four existing SB
lanes in very quick succession.