What would you nominate for the best interchange design?
For freeway-freeway, I think this one is the best from both a visual and a functional standpoint: I-205 and WA 14 (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.6057222,-122.5517875,15.79z/data=!5m1!1e1) near Vancouver, WA.
For freeway-surface street, I prefer classic Ontario-style (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.4239806,-79.7246564,16.33z/data=!5m1!1e1), as it combines the best of a diamond and a full cloverleaf.
I have always liked I-395 and King Street in Alexandria, Virginia (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8346744,-77.0986515,17.5z), because of how it nicely and cleanly eliminates the weave-area problem that is a central issue with a standard cloverleaf. Yes, it requires two additional overpasses, but overall those are a minor addition when compared to flyover ramps or similar. Compare, for instance, to the much-longer flyover ramp at nearby I-395 and Duke Street (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8155955,-77.1407847,17.5z)–also, that interchange was recently modified to remove a loop ramp from the southwest corner (where the Days Inn is on the map) so as to eliminate the resulting weave area on I-395, but the downside of this modification is that Duke Street now has a new traffic light because traffic that previously used the now-deleted loop ramp must turn left onto Duke Street. The King Street interchange is, in my opinion, a cleaner way to solve the problem.
I nominate this interchange (https://www.google.com/maps/place/36%C2%B050'11.1%22N+76%C2%B017'15.6%22W/@36.8364242,-76.2876564,15z) for its sheer compactness. It is a semi-directional T interchange that has been folded in on itself.
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 19, 2021, 12:32:03 PM
I have always liked I-395 and King Street in Alexandria, Virginia (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8346744,-77.0986515,17.5z), because of how it nicely and cleanly eliminates the weave-area problem that is a central issue with a standard cloverleaf.
Interesting. I like that a lot and wonder why that design isn't used more given that the ROW is very similar to a standard cloverleaf.
My favorite vs. least favorite freeway-surface street interchange. MDOT selected the DDI at the recently reconstructed I-75 / Big Beaver interchange:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v1QPaYISFA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYWqbslCChU
Quote from: tradephoric on April 19, 2021, 05:51:20 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v1QPaYISFA
I designed something very similar to this here. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8790.msg2397665#msg2397665) Sadly, I bet that this type of design will never be used, as other alternatives have already been built, and proven. But, I guess it would only take one being built to start a trend...
It is often copied but never duplicated: The Jane M. Byrne Interchange in Chicago (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.875438,-87.6440993,701m/data=!3m1!1e3) (where the Dan Ryan, Kennedy and Eisenhower Expressways plus Congress Parkway meet)
As a native Chicagoan, it'll always be the Circle Interchange to me.
I-93/US 1 and I-90/route 1A in Boston.
Quote from: webny99 on April 19, 2021, 12:05:07 PM
What would you nominate for the best interchange design?
For freeway-freeway, I think this one is the best from both a visual and a functional standpoint: I-205 and WA 14 (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.6057222,-122.5517875,15.79z/data=!5m1!1e1) near Vancouver, WA.
For freeway-surface street, I prefer classic Ontario-style (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.4239806,-79.7246564,16.33z/data=!5m1!1e1), as it combines the best of a diamond and a full cloverleaf.
That one in Vancouver, WA is certainly unique in its design, I like it as well.
I'd say the Houston area has some nice ones. Most of the stacks along Beltway 8 are impressive, if just for their size.
I'm actually not a fan of huge four- and five-level stacks. Sure, they're impressive, and there are no issues from a functional standpoint, but they're also not very creative. Take this (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.7800683,-95.453364,3a,90y,307.1h,84.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdqq2F0ZzWMdR9oM-TeL8_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), for example. What's special about this interchange? It looks like generic big-city infrastructure that really could be in any big, flat city. I prefer designs with a bit more creativity, possibly some terrain, some nice views, and incorporation of local elements.
Quote from: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 09:55:45 AM
I'm actually not a fan of huge four- and five-level stacks. Sure, they're impressive, and there are no issues from a functional standpoint, but they're also not very creative. Take this (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.7800683,-95.453364,3a,90y,307.1h,84.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdqq2F0ZzWMdR9oM-TeL8_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), for example. What's special about this interchange? It looks like generic big-city infrastructure that really could be in any big, flat city. I prefer designs with a bit more creativity, possibly some terrain, some nice views, and incorporation of local elements.
Ah, so you would like Albuquerque. I've always lived that interchange. Great execution of that design, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/aL94YR7.png)
I thought that the Watertown Plank Rd interchange with I-41 was a creative way to build a free-flowing arterial-interstate interchange. (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0456674,-88.036662,718m/data=!3m1!1e3)
Quote from: MCRoads on April 21, 2021, 10:03:45 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 09:55:45 AM
I'm actually not a fan of huge four- and five-level stacks. Sure, they're impressive, and there are no issues from a functional standpoint, but they're also not very creative. Take this (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.7800683,-95.453364,3a,90y,307.1h,84.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdqq2F0ZzWMdR9oM-TeL8_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), for example. What's special about this interchange? It looks like generic big-city infrastructure that really could be in any big, flat city. I prefer designs with a bit more creativity, possibly some terrain, some nice views, and incorporation of local elements.
Ah, so you would like Albuquerque. I've always lived that interchange. Great execution of that design, too.
I like the "Big-I". Interestingly enough the "Big I" used to be a clone of this interchange https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kansas+City,+KS/@39.1042401,-94.679525,1002m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x87c08ce427cf3515:0xdc77777b70c31e05!8m2!3d39.1155314!4d-94.6267873 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kansas+City,+KS/@39.1042401,-94.679525,1002m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x87c08ce427cf3515:0xdc77777b70c31e05!8m2!3d39.1155314!4d-94.6267873), only rotated 90 degrees.
I also like this interchange that I use regularly: https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4358366,-111.8918471,16.25z (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4358366,-111.8918471,16.25z), It's a nice turbine-stack hybrid that is functional and moves a lot of traffic.
Quote from: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 09:55:45 AM
I'm actually not a fan of huge four- and five-level stacks. Sure, they're impressive, and there are no issues from a functional standpoint, but they're also not very creative. Take this (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.7800683,-95.453364,3a,90y,307.1h,84.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdqq2F0ZzWMdR9oM-TeL8_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), for example. What's special about this interchange? It looks like generic big-city infrastructure that really could be in any big, flat city. I prefer designs with a bit more creativity, possibly some terrain, some nice views, and incorporation of local elements.
I'm not sure how creative it is, but the interchange between I-5 and CA 52/La Jolla Pkwy (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8389034,-117.2335432,840m/data=!3m1!1e3) certainly has views (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.837729,-117.2339024,3a,75y,78.1h,82.01t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfs3NDpdv0Hj6vsNUjeX_mA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) and is literally built into the side of a canyon.
Quote from: MCRoads on April 21, 2021, 10:03:45 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 09:55:45 AM
I'm actually not a fan of huge four- and five-level stacks. Sure, they're impressive, and there are no issues from a functional standpoint, but they're also not very creative. Take this (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.7800683,-95.453364,3a,90y,307.1h,84.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdqq2F0ZzWMdR9oM-TeL8_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), for example. What's special about this interchange? It looks like generic big-city infrastructure that really could be in any big, flat city. I prefer designs with a bit more creativity, possibly some terrain, some nice views, and incorporation of local elements.
Ah, so you would like Albuquerque. I've always lived that interchange. Great execution of that design, too.
I sense sarcasm. No denying the
great views (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.1044836,-106.6306076,3a,90y,70.82h,87.76t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sn3S6H5NOEZwEku7xcFHVSQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Dn3S6H5NOEZwEku7xcFHVSQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D175.60184%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) from the top levels, but I stand by my point that it's not a very creative design.
Quote from: ztonyg on April 21, 2021, 11:24:43 AM
I like the "Big-I". Interestingly enough the "Big I" used to be a clone of I-70/I-635 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kansas+City,+KS/@39.1042401,-94.679525,1002m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x87c08ce427cf3515:0xdc77777b70c31e05!8m2!3d39.1155314!4d-94.6267873), only rotated 90 degrees.
Does "Big-I" refer to I-25/I-40?
As for your Kansas City example (I fixed the link for you to remove the scroll bar), Rochester has a
very similar interchange (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1585159,-77.6799812,962m/data=!3m1!1e3) between 390 and I-490, currently under partial re-construction.
Quote from: ari-s-drives on April 21, 2021, 11:23:34 AM
[img snipped]
I thought that the Watertown Plank Rd interchange with I-41 was a creative way to build a free-flowing arterial-interstate interchange. (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.0456674,-88.036662,718m/data=!3m1!1e3)
That's cool-looking, and takes less ROW in the top left and bottom right quadrants, but it also has two (or four, depending on how you count) extra overpasses. Overall, I like it, but am not sold on it being easily replicable elsewhere.
Quote from: ari-s-drives on April 21, 2021, 11:28:42 AM
I'm not sure how creative it is, but the interchange between I-5 and CA 52/La Jolla Pkwy (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8389034,-117.2335432,840m/data=!3m1!1e3) certainly has views (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.837729,-117.2339024,3a,75y,78.1h,82.01t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfs3NDpdv0Hj6vsNUjeX_mA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) and is literally built into the side of a canyon.
Yeah, that does have great views, and is unique because of the two missing ramps and the 90 degree turn on LaJolla Pkwy. I'm in!
Quote from: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 09:55:45 AM
I'm actually not a fan of huge four- and five-level stacks. Sure, they're impressive, and there are no issues from a functional standpoint, but they're also not very creative. Take this (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.7800683,-95.453364,3a,90y,307.1h,84.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdqq2F0ZzWMdR9oM-TeL8_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), for example. What's special about this interchange? It looks like generic big-city infrastructure that really could be in any big, flat city. I prefer designs with a bit more creativity, possibly some terrain, some nice views, and incorporation of local elements.
While it mainly is a generic interchange, I'll agree with you there, it is sort of unique in the sense of dealing with the US-290 split off of I-610 a mile north of I-10, and having a split roadway for US-290 traffic bound directly to I-10 without having to touch the I-610 mainline.
But that's about it.
One of the ugliest stacks has to be I-37/I-410 (https://goo.gl/maps/xUUvywEeFHzR7FzdA).
Quote from: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 12:09:57 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on April 21, 2021, 10:03:45 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 09:55:45 AM
I'm actually not a fan of huge four- and five-level stacks. Sure, they're impressive, and there are no issues from a functional standpoint, but they're also not very creative. Take this (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.7800683,-95.453364,3a,90y,307.1h,84.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdqq2F0ZzWMdR9oM-TeL8_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), for example. What's special about this interchange? It looks like generic big-city infrastructure that really could be in any big, flat city. I prefer designs with a bit more creativity, possibly some terrain, some nice views, and incorporation of local elements.
Ah, so you would like Albuquerque. I've always lived that interchange. Great execution of that design, too.
I sense sarcasm. No denying the great views (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.1044836,-106.6306076,3a,90y,70.82h,87.76t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sn3S6H5NOEZwEku7xcFHVSQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Dn3S6H5NOEZwEku7xcFHVSQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D175.60184%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) from the top levels, but I stand by my point that it's not a very creative design.
Quote from: ztonyg on April 21, 2021, 11:24:43 AM
I like the "Big-I". Interestingly enough the "Big I" used to be a clone of I-70/I-635 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kansas+City,+KS/@39.1042401,-94.679525,1002m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x87c08ce427cf3515:0xdc77777b70c31e05!8m2!3d39.1155314!4d-94.6267873), only rotated 90 degrees.
Does "Big-I" refer to I-25/I-40?
Yes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_I).
And the Big I incorporates a bunch of things you just mentioned. Nice views? Sandias to the east - check. Local elements? Check out the color scheme on the bridges. Creativity? Take a look at the landscaping.
Quote from: US 89 on April 21, 2021, 03:10:25 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 21, 2021, 12:09:57 PM
Does "Big-I" refer to I-25/I-40?
Yes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_I).
And the Big I incorporates a bunch of things you just mentioned. Nice views? Sandias to the east - check. Local elements? Check out the color scheme on the bridges. Creativity? Take a look at the landscaping.
Right, so it's not exactly "generic big-city infrastructure that really could be in any big, flat city". That sets it apart from most other stack interchanges.
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 12:38:11 PM
One of the ugliest stacks has to be I-37/I-410 (https://goo.gl/maps/xUUvywEeFHzR7FzdA).
That's hideous. That's significantly uglier than my vote:
I-75/I-696 (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4783486,-83.1123205,3a,16.3y,167.28h,91.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sL32KPCKLm8CWQMTy0cIMJQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
Quote from: ztonyg on April 21, 2021, 03:41:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 12:38:11 PM
One of the ugliest stacks has to be I-37/I-410 (https://goo.gl/maps/xUUvywEeFHzR7FzdA).
That's hideous. That's significantly uglier than my vote: I-75/I-696 (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4783486,-83.1123205,3a,16.3y,167.28h,91.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sL32KPCKLm8CWQMTy0cIMJQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
Might have a stack that's uglier: the Ghost Stack on I-84 near Hartford. They did not give 2 craps about aesthetics while designing this...
Quote from: MCRoads on April 21, 2021, 04:35:41 PM
Quote from: ztonyg on April 21, 2021, 03:41:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 12:38:11 PM
One of the ugliest stacks has to be I-37/I-410 (https://goo.gl/maps/xUUvywEeFHzR7FzdA).
That's hideous. That's significantly uglier than my vote: I-75/I-696 (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4783486,-83.1123205,3a,16.3y,167.28h,91.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sL32KPCKLm8CWQMTy0cIMJQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
Might have a stack that's uglier: the Ghost Stack on I-84 near Hartford. They did not give 2 craps about aesthetics while designing this...
Had to look up what that referred to.
Definitely a contender. (https://goo.gl/maps/nr3ecwbVxyYtchPi6)
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 04:39:12 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on April 21, 2021, 04:35:41 PM
the Ghost Stack on I-84 near Hartford. They did not give 2 craps about aesthetics while designing this...
Had to look up what that referred to. Definitely a contender. (https://goo.gl/maps/nr3ecwbVxyYtchPi6)
Even worse: the second level and one of the forks on the fourth level are stubs. Compare
satellite view (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7266399,-72.7758377,1391m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en) with
regular view (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7272084,-72.7729838,16z?hl=en).
I have a couple ones I really like:
Generally, I like stacks (even if they can get a little boring), DDIs, and volleyball interchanges.
I like this cloverleaf in NOLA for it's lack of weaving on the arterial:
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9974594,-90.1542972,869m/data=!3m1!1e3
I also like the I-96/US 131 intersection in Grand Rapids:
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.973197,-85.6785569,1019m/data=!3m1!1e3
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 21, 2021, 04:55:46 PM
I like this cloverleaf in NOLA for it's lack of weaving on the arterial:
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9974594,-90.1542972,869m/data=!3m1!1e3
Now, that looks downright beautiful.
Quote from: MCRoads on April 21, 2021, 04:35:41 PM
Quote from: ztonyg on April 21, 2021, 03:41:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 12:38:11 PM
One of the ugliest stacks has to be I-37/I-410 (https://goo.gl/maps/xUUvywEeFHzR7FzdA).
That's hideous. That's significantly uglier than my vote: I-75/I-696 (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.4783486,-83.1123205,3a,16.3y,167.28h,91.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sL32KPCKLm8CWQMTy0cIMJQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
Might have a stack that's uglier: the Ghost Stack on I-84 near Hartford. They did not give 2 craps about aesthetics while designing this...
I actually considered this one but I thought this actually has some aesthetic appeal with the ramps just appearing out of the foliage another contender may be I-70 / I-695 near Baltimore. At least the ghost stack is partially used (as a semi-directional T).
For system interchanges, I like a good three-way stack where both bridges cross at a single point, such as I-57/I-64 (https://goo.gl/maps/emSJN4SDfTAK1BAY8) in Illinois.
For four-way system interchanges, it all depends on the particular situation. But I generally favor a cloverleaf with two of the loops replaced with flyovers, like what they've done with US-54/I-235 (https://goo.gl/maps/nkQjjTWx2WnvtSJ88) here in Wichita.
For regular interchanges, I like the roundabout-under-highway design, such as in Newton, KS (https://goo.gl/maps/uzuRsW1y8fpmj43Z8).
The Parclo B4 for freeway-nonfreeway interchanges (the B4 is the type which separates freeway exit traffic by direction but the entering traffic shares a ramp, requiring left turns from the non-freeway road)
The stack or turbine for freeway-freeway interchanges. Cloverstacks are ok in some situations because there is no weaving, but it should be designed so that the high-traffic left-turn movement uses one of the flyover ramps.
The echelon for a nonfreeway-nonfreeway interchange. It would be nice to see more interchanges for busy intersections where neither road warrants a freeway upgrade.
This might be going out on a limb, but I like both Ross Island (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/MarquamBridgeHill.jpg) Maze (https://katu.com/resources/media2/16x9/full/1015/center/80/0dcf3fe7-45f7-4c45-8bb4-ada5ff65d4f6-large16x9_Chopper1807060530_frame_210301.jpg) and the Fremont Stack (https://goo.gl/maps/iNhF7ppy51fJbtuf9) in Portland.
Since some of you are discussing ugly stacks, I dislike the junction of the M4 and the M25 Orbital near Heathrow (https://www.google.com/maps/@51.4967188,-0.4971184,2343m/data=!3m1!1e3) because it looks off-balance due to the way the M25 is off-center. I suspect the railroad tracks running through there might have something to do with why it's designed that way.
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 19, 2021, 12:32:03 PM
I have always liked I-395 and King Street in Alexandria, Virginia (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8346744,-77.0986515,17.5z), because of how it nicely and cleanly eliminates the weave-area problem that is a central issue with a standard cloverleaf. Yes, it requires two additional overpasses, but overall those are a minor addition when compared to flyover ramps or similar.
(snip)
Very similar design is used where MD-43 intersects I-95 north of Baltimore (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3786182,-76.4481298,509m/data=!3m1!1e3), except the "loop ramps" also allow for left hand turns to facilitate left turns at cross streets near the intersection.
Quote from: davewiecking on April 22, 2021, 03:24:07 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 19, 2021, 12:32:03 PM
I have always liked I-395 and King Street in Alexandria, Virginia (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8346744,-77.0986515,17.5z), because of how it nicely and cleanly eliminates the weave-area problem that is a central issue with a standard cloverleaf. Yes, it requires two additional overpasses, but overall those are a minor addition when compared to flyover ramps or similar.
(snip)
Very similar design is used where MD-43 intersects I-95 north of Baltimore (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3786182,-76.4481298,509m/data=!3m1!1e3), except the "loop ramps" also allow for left hand turns to facilitate left turns at cross streets near the intersection.
Whoa. The left turn from the loop is a really interesting concept. For those who are curious, start here (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3795508,-76.4506048,3a,50.5y,276.65h,94.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTtL7k04jGOvFyQWOrW3FCg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 21, 2021, 04:55:46 PM
I also like the I-(1)96/US 131 intersection in Grand Rapids:
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.973197,-85.6785569,1019m/data=!3m1!1e3
I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one. That interchange is functionally pretty bad considering we're talking about two freeways intersecting with ramps that can only be taken at 30 MPH.
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 22, 2021, 12:46:24 PM
Since some of you are discussing ugly stacks, I dislike the junction of the M4 and the M25 Orbital near Heathrow (https://www.google.com/maps/@51.4967188,-0.4971184,2343m/data=!3m1!1e3) because it looks off-balance due to the way the M25 is off-center. I suspect the railroad tracks running through there might have something to do with why it's designed that way.
I've looked at that interchange in satellite view several times before, and somehow never noticed the rail line running directly thru the interchange until you pointed it out :pan:
My thought on M25's alignment (without the rail perspective, as noted above) is that it's simply to keep the alignment on one gradual and thus shallower horizontal curve thru the interchange, as opposed to a shorter but sharper curve on each side to align perfectly thru the center of the interchange?
The M23/M25 interchange (https://www.google.com/maps/@51.2642397,-0.1290815,3a,75y,113.04h,89.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0saf_-wpZCHbq9qc3Z7lMw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) down towards Gatwick is much more centered (and looks similar in terms of the structures).
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 22, 2021, 03:57:30 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 21, 2021, 04:55:46 PM
I also like the I-(1)96/US 131 intersection in Grand Rapids:
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.973197,-85.6785569,1019m/data=!3m1!1e3
I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one. That interchange is functionally pretty bad considering we're talking about two freeways intersecting with ramps that can only be taken at 30 MPH.
That's interesting. I only liked it because of its tight footprint, but if it's not efficient, then maybe it isn't that great.
Tight ramps, left exits & entrances.
From a right of way standpoint, has a small footprint, good in that regard. Functionability? Seems to be poor.
For compactness, it's hard to beat this one (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9749562,-90.155986,362m/data=!3m1!1e3), even with the railroad throwing in an extra level. And this one (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.062005,-118.2491358,357m/data=!3m1!1e3), with its compact central structure (https://goo.gl/maps/5GLAWpTikUG5ui1c8).
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 22, 2021, 12:46:24 PM
Since some of you are discussing ugly stacks, I dislike the junction of the M4 and the M25 Orbital near Heathrow (https://www.google.com/maps/@51.4967188,-0.4971184,2343m/data=!3m1!1e3) because it looks off-balance due to the way the M25 is off-center. I suspect the railroad tracks running through there might have something to do with why it's designed that way.
Not really an ugly stack, but here's an off-centered stack in my state, at I-75 and US 35 (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7476732,-84.2060033,692m/data=!3m1!1e3).
I think those off-center stacks look just as elegant as a centered one–especially the M4/M25 one.
I've always been confused why agencies gravitate towards Parclo A4s. As an example Ontario and Caltrans has designed a massive number of Parclo A4 interchanges and hardly any Parclo B4s. And when a full blown cloverleaf is converted to a partial cloverleaf, a Parclo A4 design is usually chosen over a Parclo B4 even though both designs would require the same ROW. Like this example in Augusta, Georgia. Either type of Parclo could have been selected but they designed a Parclo A4:
(https://i.imgur.com/WkEuIHd.png)
https://www.google.com/maps?ll=33.45041,-82.07465&z=17&t=h
I really like the way they redesigned the Mitchell Interchange in Milwaukee.
Quote from: webny99 on April 22, 2021, 03:40:48 PM
Quote from: davewiecking on April 22, 2021, 03:24:07 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 19, 2021, 12:32:03 PM
I have always liked I-395 and King Street in Alexandria, Virginia (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8346744,-77.0986515,17.5z), because of how it nicely and cleanly eliminates the weave-area problem that is a central issue with a standard cloverleaf. Yes, it requires two additional overpasses, but overall those are a minor addition when compared to flyover ramps or similar.
(snip)
Very similar design is used where MD-43 intersects I-95 north of Baltimore (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3786182,-76.4481298,509m/data=!3m1!1e3), except the "loop ramps" also allow for left hand turns to facilitate left turns at cross streets near the intersection.
Whoa. The left turn from the loop is a really interesting concept. For those who are curious, start here (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3795508,-76.4506048,3a,50.5y,276.65h,94.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTtL7k04jGOvFyQWOrW3FCg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).
That loop ramp is pretty new. It's a big help when traveling southbound on I-95 and trying to get to White Marsh Mall (via MD 43 and Honeygo Blvd). Prior to that there was a lot of weaving with people coming down the other ramp to MD 43 and trying to quickly slide several lanes left in order to get to the left turn at Honeygo. Was glad to see it available once it opened.
For some reason I pictured "A4" and "B4" as "after" and "before", but it's the opposite: "ahead" and "behind".
Quote from: sprjus4 on April 22, 2021, 05:11:18 PM
Tight ramps, left exits & entrances.
From a right of way standpoint, has a small footprint, good in that regard. Functionability? Seems to be poor.
I-40 I-440 one is proposed there.
Quote from: tradephoric on April 23, 2021, 02:31:35 PM
I've always been confused why agencies gravitate towards Parclo A4s. As an example Ontario and Caltrans has designed a massive number of Parclo A4 interchanges and hardly any Parclo B4s. And when a full blown cloverleaf is converted to a partial cloverleaf, a Parclo A4 design is usually chosen over a Parclo B4 even though both designs would require the same ROW. Like this example in Augusta, Georgia. Either type of Parclo could have been selected but they designed a Parclo A4:
(https://i.imgur.com/WkEuIHd.png)
https://www.google.com/maps?ll=33.45041,-82.07465&z=17&t=h
In the case of Augusta, one possibility is because drivers are already familiar with the parclo A4 at I-20 & SR 28 (Washington Rd).
But in general it seems that the benefits of A4 are more obvious than the benefits of B4 (A4 doesn't require left-turn lanes on the cross road, but B4 traffic signals can be timed to fit any progression plan because the signals don't stop both directions of the cross road).
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 12:38:11 PM
One of the ugliest stacks has to be I-37/I-410 (https://goo.gl/maps/xUUvywEeFHzR7FzdA).
Definitely a
yecch!. That's the fugliest set of bridge bents I've ever seen; looks like the design was done by a grade-school kid using concrete versions of Lincoln Logs! That's one interchange I'm glad I've never seen in person!
Quote from: sparker on April 24, 2021, 01:08:08 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 12:38:11 PM
One of the ugliest stacks has to be I-37/I-410 (https://goo.gl/maps/xUUvywEeFHzR7FzdA).
Definitely a yecch!. That's the fugliest set of bridge bents I've ever seen; looks like the design was done by a grade-school kid using concrete versions of Lincoln Logs! That's one interchange I'm glad I've never seen in person!
I saw it in person but have no memory of it; probably because I'd driven down from Oklahoma the same day and by the time I went through that one I had seen so many stack interchanges in Texas they stopped registering as anything interesting.
I don't think I have one specific kind of freeway interchange that I prefer. In general, I just like the one that best utilizes the available land. Or in other terms, the one that is the most efficient in a given space.
Couple great examples of high-capacity but compact freeway-to-freeway interchanges that I find very neat. They involve loops, so both could technically be categorized as cloverstacks:
* 5 Fwy @ 55 Fwy, Santa Ana (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.7405381,-117.8336808,662m/data=!3m1!1e3)
* CA-92 @ 880 Fwy, Hayward (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6445182,-122.0937094,880m/data=!3m1!1e3)
In terms of regular freeway-to-service road interchanges, I prefer partial cloverleafs. Ideally, B4 configuration to limit the need to place any signals:
* Bradford Dr @ Al-255, Huntsville (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.7280274,-86.6707143,928m/data=!3m1!1e3) (+1000 for a unsignalized double left)
* I-64 @ Kingshighway in East St Louis (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.6208711,-90.0929934,614m/data=!3m1!1e3) (A4 Parclo with left-side merge)
I like VA-267 and I-495 in Tysons.
I also like I-79 at I-80, and I-79 at US-322/US-19 at Meadville.
I always liked driving through this interchange on I-395 at Shirlington (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.840058,-77.0868038,661m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1), though I'm sure the anti-roundabout crowd would hate it.
I also like this interchange (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.518614,-87.9588918,1118m/data=!3m1!1e3) in my original hometown of Green Bay because it feels rural even though it's on the edge of the city. It has a couple left entrances, but I've never found them a problem.
Quote from: webny99 on April 22, 2021, 03:40:48 PM
Quote from: davewiecking on April 22, 2021, 03:24:07 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 19, 2021, 12:32:03 PM
I have always liked I-395 and King Street in Alexandria, Virginia (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.8346744,-77.0986515,17.5z), because of how it nicely and cleanly eliminates the weave-area problem that is a central issue with a standard cloverleaf. Yes, it requires two additional overpasses, but overall those are a minor addition when compared to flyover ramps or similar.
(snip)
Very similar design is used where MD-43 intersects I-95 north of Baltimore (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3786182,-76.4481298,509m/data=!3m1!1e3), except the "loop ramps" also allow for left hand turns to facilitate left turns at cross streets near the intersection.
Whoa. The left turn from the loop is a really interesting concept. For those who are curious, start here (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3795508,-76.4506048,3a,50.5y,276.65h,94.72t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTtL7k04jGOvFyQWOrW3FCg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192).
That is interesting. On the one hand, is that left turn continuous T really worth extra bridge area when they're headed for a signal anyway? A two-phase signal was fine on the other off-ramp. But on the other hand, I guess the "westbound to southbound" requires a bridge there anyway.
Quote from: tradephoric on April 23, 2021, 02:31:35 PM
I've always been confused why agencies gravitate towards Parclo A4s.
Just guesses, but I suspect sometimes things are popular because they're popular. (like your previous comments about DDI) Maybe they're not the best choice but they're the familiar choice. My other guess is that agencies worry more about vehicles losing control at lower speed off-ramps. From what I've heard working in the industry, there are more problem cases decelerating on a loop ramp (including more serious crashes like rollovers) than accelerating.
Quote from: kurumi on April 23, 2021, 11:23:25 PM
For some reason I pictured "A4" and "B4" as "after" and "before", but it's the opposite: "ahead" and "behind".
IMO it's still easiest to remember them as "accelerate" or "brake".
The lone diverging diamond interchange in Florida and also the largest one in the country, I-75 and University Parkway (https://goo.gl/maps/37cZ9bdrkqVuZdB19). I've driven through there many times for business, and once they converted it from the old design, traffic flow overall was a lot faster and smoother. A lot of people didn't like it at first, but once I got used to it I quickly appreciated its improvements and benefits.
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 07:12:50 PM
The lone diverging diamond interchange in Florida and also the largest one in the country, I-75 and University Parkway (https://goo.gl/maps/37cZ9bdrkqVuZdB19). I've driven through there many times for business, and once they converted it from the old design, traffic flow overall was a lot faster and smoother. A lot of people didn't like it at first, but once I got used to it I quickly appreciated its improvements and benefits.
Holy that's a wide cross road. 12 lanes under the bridge, with 5 through lanes per direction?
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 24, 2021, 07:40:02 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 07:12:50 PM
The lone diverging diamond interchange in Florida and also the largest one in the country, I-75 and University Parkway (https://goo.gl/maps/37cZ9bdrkqVuZdB19). I've driven through there many times for business, and once they converted it from the old design, traffic flow overall was a lot faster and smoother. A lot of people didn't like it at first, but once I got used to it I quickly appreciated its improvements and benefits.
Holy that's a wide cross road. 12 lanes under the bridge, with 5 through lanes per direction?
There are at least 5 DDIs in FL now...
Quote from: MCRoads on April 24, 2021, 08:44:32 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 24, 2021, 07:40:02 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 07:12:50 PM
The lone diverging diamond interchange in Florida and also the largest one in the country, I-75 and University Parkway (https://goo.gl/maps/37cZ9bdrkqVuZdB19). I've driven through there many times for business, and once they converted it from the old design, traffic flow overall was a lot faster and smoother. A lot of people didn't like it at first, but once I got used to it I quickly appreciated its improvements and benefits.
Holy that's a wide cross road. 12 lanes under the bridge, with 5 through lanes per direction?
There are at least 5 DDIs in FL now...
Whoops. I meant to say that when it
opened, it was the lone DDI open to traffic in Florida. My bad!
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 24, 2021, 07:40:02 PM
Holy that's a wide cross road. 12 lanes under the bridge, with 5 through lanes per direction?
It really is. Reminds me of Texas-style urban freeway design, which is to make everything as wide as possible. I wonder if there is a world record for the difference in the number of lanes between a freeway and the cross road that it over(under)passes. In this case it is 6 lanes, with I-75 being 6 and University Parkway being 12.
I'm a huge fan of Parclos. Separated!
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 09:17:05 PM
It really is. Reminds me of Texas-style urban freeway design, which is to make everything as wide as possible. I wonder if there is a world record for the difference in the number of lanes between a freeway and the cross road that it over(under)passes. In this case it is 6 lanes, with I-75 being 6 and University Parkway being 12.
If a freeway crosses over/under an intersection of 2 roads, do both of those lane counts count? For example, a 14-lane freeway going under an intersection of a 4-lane street and a 3-lane street, for a total of 21. https://goo.gl/maps/whVS45ST85z71KV4A (Or if you count lanes of ramps, you can look at the intersection one block to the southeast)
I particularly like the VA 168 BUSINESS/Greenbrier Parkway/I-64 interchange complex in Chesapeake, Virginia. Yes, it's two cloverleaf interchanges, but it's the braided ramps that do it for me.
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7793724,-76.2417933,2532m/data=!3m1!1e3
Quote from: ran4sh on April 26, 2021, 02:45:44 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 24, 2021, 09:17:05 PM
It really is. Reminds me of Texas-style urban freeway design, which is to make everything as wide as possible. I wonder if there is a world record for the difference in the number of lanes between a freeway and the cross road that it over(under)passes. In this case it is 6 lanes, with I-75 being 6 and University Parkway being 12.
If a freeway crosses over/under an intersection of 2 roads, do both of those lane counts count? For example, a 14-lane freeway going under an intersection of a 4-lane street and a 3-lane street, for a total of 21. https://goo.gl/maps/whVS45ST85z71KV4A (Or if you count lanes of ramps, you can look at the intersection one block to the southeast)
I guess it would not count since they are separate roads. One large road going under/over a freeway is more impressive than two smaller roads going under/over, at least in my opinion.