Notable incomplete interchanges

[PHLBOS]

I-93 and US 1 in Charlestown, Mass.  Neither one southbound connects directly to the other northbound.  Those movements can be accomplished using a mile or so of Mass. 99, with several traffic lights in each direction.

IMHO, that was a dumb decision not to provide those ramps; especially since such previously existed.

Also left out of the Big Dig are ramps to the Summer Callahan Tunnel from 93 North and to the Ted Williams Tunnel from 93 South.  This only makes much difference to those entering the road between the two, because few people would pass one tunnel to take the other.

FTFY, this isn't 1960. 

Those missing move ramps would've certainly come in handy when the ceiling collapsed on that I-90 (Liberty) tunnel and last year's Callahan Tunnel was closed for 3 months for an overhaul project.

Also, the missing moves means that one using 1A South via the Sumner Tunnel can't directly get on its US 1 South (via I-93) parent.  Similarly, 1A North can't directly exit off US 1 North (again via I-93) parent to the Callahan Tunnel.  Blame the 1989-90 re-route of US 1 onto I-93 (& I-95) for such. 

One routing continuity solution (I know, Fictional territory here) would be to re-route MA 1A onto I-90 (via the Ted Williams Tunnel) and have the Sumner/Callahan be an extension of MA 145.

[Bickendan]

Hmm.
SB CA 57 to EB CA 60 and vice wouldn't count (because of CA 71) if there weren't signs at the northern CA 57/60 split guiding people making that movement off the Orange Freeway to the Pomona just prior to the interchange. Even with CA 71, it's debatable because CA 71 is at-grade between Mission and Rio Rancho.

Speaking of CA 71, I see a w 60 to s 71 loop, but no n 71 to e 60, not counting a jaunt down Riverside and Reservoir. No e 60 to n 71 or its counterpart, but that makes sense considering the angle (and Rio Rancho does work for this movement).

Any missing movements to/from CA 71 at the Kellogg Interchange aren't notable enough to include here.

[Bickendan]

The CA-134 interchange @ I-210 in Pasadena was supposed to have CA-710 connect to I-210.

That's a complete 5-level stack. What are you talking about?

[DandyDan]

There's the I-29/I-480/US 6 interchange in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  There is no way to go east on US 6 (Broadway) from either direction of I-29, or vice versa.   Then again, one could reasonably argue that it's not necessary if one is going south on I-29, since they have the 25th and 16th Street (aka Iowa 192) exits.  And if one wishes to go from US 6 to NB I-29, there's those entrance ramps plus the 35th Street entrance ramp.  OTOH,  I think the fact there is no northbound exit ramp from I-29 to US 6 is a mistake.  Now that I think of it, the Iowa 192 exit ramp is incomplete as well.

One could argue that all of I-480 in Omaha and Council Bluffs is a long series of incomplete interchanges, with the exception of the Martha Street interchange and its interchange with I-80/US 75.

[KEK Inc.]

Also, I-205 and I-5 in Vancouver.  If you're on NB 205 and plan to go on to SB I-5, you have to exit on NE 134th St. and go through about 4 lights.

Why would you go north on 205 to go south on 5? I don't think that's really a missing movement so much as it is an unnecessary movement.

People in East Vancouver who wants to go to Hazel Dell.  It's faster to take I-205 North to I-5 South by exiting on 134th St. rather than taking Padden Pkwy or SR-500. 

This is what Google recommended for me when I commuted in High School.


You can shave 7 minutes if there was a ramp from I-205 NB to I-5 SB by bypassing all of the lights on 134th St.

Regardless, I'd make it in 15 minutes. 


Oh, also SR-500 has no connector to NB I-5 and vise versa.  You have to take surface streets on 39th St.

[briantroutman]

One notable example near me: The interchange between US 101 and I-580 in San Rafael lacks a continuous connection for either north-to-east or west-to-south traffic. Those motorists are directed to exit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

As a result, northbound 101 traffic slows to a crawl every afternoon from Marin City through Mill Valley, Corte Madera, and Larkspur–not because of Marinites, but rather from East Bay-ers slogging their way home from San Francisco via the Richmond Bridge.

The cause of the congestion isn't of the slightest doubt, either. All five northbound lanes will creep along at an average or 10 or 15 m.p.h. up to Sir Francis Drake, at which point line jumpers come to a dead stop in travel lanes and try to force their way into the single exit lane. Beyond this melee, the four lanes which continue northward carry moderate traffic accelerating back to 60.

[mgk920]

US(I)-41/US 10/WI 441 ('Bridgeview' interchange) here in the Appleton, WI area.  This freeway-to-freeway connection lacks ramps for NB US(I)-41 to WB US 10 and EB US 10 to NB US(I)-41.  It is being corrected as I type this in a project that is about to enter the second year of a six year, $470M upgrade of US 10 and WI 441 through there.

Mike

[kkt]

One notable example near me: The interchange between US 101 and I-580 in San Rafael lacks a continuous connection for either north-to-east or west-to-south traffic. Those motorists are directed to exit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

As a result, northbound 101 traffic slows to a crawl every afternoon from Marin City through Mill Valley, Corte Madera, and Larkspur–not because of Marinites, but rather from East Bay-ers slogging their way home from San Francisco via the Richmond Bridge.

The cause of the congestion isn't of the slightest doubt, either. All five northbound lanes will creep along at an average or 10 or 15 m.p.h. up to Sir Francis Drake, at which point line jumpers come to a dead stop in travel lanes and try to force their way into the single exit lane. Beyond this melee, the four lanes which continue northward carry moderate traffic accelerating back to 60.

I'm kind of surprised they were allowed to make the Richmond Bridge an interstate without completing that interchange.

[Bickendan]

Not only that, but what does it really gain them if they're headed to the north end of the East Bay -- there aren't any movements from e I-580 to e I-80 or vice versa.

[hbelkins]

How are we defining "incomplete?" Are we talking about interchanges with one or more missing movements? (Like I-88 westbound to I-81 northbound at Binghamton?) Partial interchanges with access to/from only one direction? (Like I-65 and US 68/KY 80 north of Bowling Green?) Or interchanges where ramps simply weren't built for one reason or another?

If you're talking about interchanges that don't have ramps because the normal traffic flow wouldn't use them, there is I-64 and the Mountain Parkway in Kentucky (but that's about to be turned into a full interchange) and I-895 and I-95 south of Baltimore. And I-40 and former I-85 (now Business I-85) in Greensboro.

[kurumi]

(From The Bus That Couldn't Slow Down)

I enjoyed the fact that the front of the bus took off as if there was a ramp allowing it to do so, when there was no such ramp allowing it to do so. 

Do the math, and the bus would have impacted about 4 feet below street level, killing everyone. That would have been an awesome ending: "They're all dead, GTFO" and roll credits.

[TheStranger]

One notable example near me: The interchange between US 101 and I-580 in San Rafael lacks a continuous connection for either north-to-east or west-to-south traffic. Those motorists are directed to exit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

There IS a ramp from 101 north to 580 east, though it does go through the stoplight for the diamond interchange at Bellam Boulevard.

Not only that, but what does it really gain them if they're headed to the north end of the East Bay -- there aren't any movements from e I-580 to e I-80 or vice versa.

The Richmond Parkway is signed as a connector to handle that specific set of movements (580 east to 80 east, 80 west to 580 west).  (Before the parkway was built, Cutting Boulevard was signed for this purpose)

[kkt]

Not only that, but what does it really gain them if they're headed to the north end of the East Bay -- there aren't any movements from e I-580 to e I-80 or vice versa.

Well, there's the Richmond Bypass Parkway.  Even though it has eleventy-one traffic lights, at least the lights are usually timed, and if you're heading east on I-80 it saves considerable distance as well.  Why was Caltrans against building it or signing it as a state route?  One of the few places in the Bay Area they could build without massive local opposition, and they say no!

[myosh_tino]

(From The Bus That Couldn't Slow Down)

I enjoyed the fact that the front of the bus took off as if there was a ramp allowing it to do so, when there was no such ramp allowing it to do so. 

Do the math, and the bus would have impacted about 4 feet below street level, killing everyone. That would have been an awesome ending: "They're all dead, GTFO" and roll credits.

Discovery's The Mythbusters busted this myth in 2009... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters_(2009_season)#Episode_134_.E2.80.93_.22Unarmed_and_Unharmed.22

[Pete from Boston]

(From The Bus That Couldn't Slow Down)

I enjoyed the fact that the front of the bus took off as if there was a ramp allowing it to do so, when there was no such ramp allowing it to do so. 

Do the math, and the bus would have impacted about 4 feet below street level, killing everyone. That would have been an awesome ending: "They're all dead, GTFO" and roll credits.

It took me a minute to figure this out.  I thought, "That awful movie was a remake?!?" 

This movie is up there with Mel Gibson's "Ransom" as something I couldn't watch without yelling at stupid people in the movie.

[jakeroot]

(From The Bus That Couldn't Slow Down)

I enjoyed the fact that the front of the bus took off as if there was a ramp allowing it to do so, when there was no such ramp allowing it to do so. 

Do the math, and the bus would have impacted about 4 feet below street level, killing everyone. That would have been an awesome ending: "They're all dead, GTFO" and roll credits.

It took me a minute to figure this out.  I thought, "That awful movie was a remake?!?" 

This movie is up there with Mel Gibson's "Ransom" as something I couldn't watch without yelling at stupid people in the movie.

Oh come on...fantastic performances all around, and I bet all of you were sold the whole seat but only used the edge.

Oh, and what's up with the BGS? It looks like it's facing the wrong direction.

[Jardine]

There's the I-29/I-480/US 6 interchange in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  There is no way to go east on US 6 (Broadway) from either direction of I-29, or vice versa.   Then again, one could reasonably argue that it's not necessary if one is going south on I-29, since they have the 25th and 16th Street (aka Iowa 192) exits.  And if one wishes to go from US 6 to NB I-29, there's those entrance ramps plus the 35th Street entrance ramp.  OTOH,  I think the fact there is no northbound exit ramp from I-29 to US 6 is a mistake.  Now that I think of it, the Iowa 192 exit ramp is incomplete as well.

One could argue that all of I-480 in Omaha and Council Bluffs is a long series of incomplete interchanges, with the exception of the Martha Street interchange and its interchange with I-80/US 75.

Excellent post.  I was reading the thread and wondering if anyone was going to note I-480 being replete with incomplete interchanges.  I'm local and grew up in the area, so I know all the ways of making up for the missing ramps, but it is annoying.  I feel sorry for out of towners trying to get around and their not knowing how many incomplete interchanges there are.

The NB I-29 not being able to go east on Hwy6/Broadway is really sad, the 9th Avenue area is always busy and getting off south of the railroad overpass isn't any better.  Overshooting and coming back to broadway from the north is confusing since Ave. G isn't a full interchange either. 

I've even wanted a full interchange at north 16th/ I-29.  With the new Wallyworld just south of there, I think the omission is going to be more noticeable to everyone. Bad enough when it was just the Hy Vee.

[Pete from Boston]

(From The Bus That Couldn't Slow Down)

I enjoyed the fact that the front of the bus took off as if there was a ramp allowing it to do so, when there was no such ramp allowing it to do so. 

Do the math, and the bus would have impacted about 4 feet below street level, killing everyone. That would have been an awesome ending: "They're all dead, GTFO" and roll credits.

It took me a minute to figure this out.  I thought, "That awful movie was a remake?!?" 

This movie is up there with Mel Gibson's "Ransom" as something I couldn't watch without yelling at stupid people in the movie.

Oh come on...fantastic performances all around, and I bet all of you were sold the whole seat but only used the edge.

Oh, and what's up with the BGS? It looks like it's facing the wrong direction.

They make me miss my roommate that used to hurl cigarette packs with all his might at stupid people on TV.  That brought a certain feeling of satisfaction.

[DandyDan]

The NB I-29 not being able to go east on Hwy6/Broadway is really sad, the 9th Avenue area is always busy and getting off south of the railroad overpass isn't any better.  Overshooting and coming back to broadway from the north is confusing since Ave. G isn't a full interchange either. 

Functionally speaking, the 35th Street exit and entrance ramps could serve as Avenue G's NB exit and entrance ramps.  It's just that the road continues on as 35th Street.  I think that particular exit should have signage noting Avenue G.

[NE2]

35th is obviously intended as the other half of the Avenue G interchange.

[TEG24601]

Also, I-205 and I-5 in Vancouver.  If you're on NB 205 and plan to go on to SB I-5, you have to exit on NE 134th St. and go through about 4 lights.

Why would you go north on 205 to go south on 5? I don't think that's really a missing movement so much as it is an unnecessary movement.

People in East Vancouver who wants to go to Hazel Dell.  It's faster to take I-205 North to I-5 South by exiting on 134th St. rather than taking Padden Pkwy or SR-500. 

This is what Google recommended for me when I commuted in High School.


You can shave 7 minutes if there was a ramp from I-205 NB to I-5 SB by bypassing all of the lights on 134th St.

Regardless, I'd make it in 15 minutes. 


Oh, also SR-500 has no connector to NB I-5 and vise versa.  You have to take surface streets on 39th St.

I certainly agree with the logic, and the same is true at I-405/SR-525 and I-5.  You can't go from SR-525 S to I-5 N, or I-5 S, to SR-525 N.  While is may be seen as a useless movement, it would provide better access to Alderwood mall and to a couple of business on 164th St SW, and cut traffic on 164th and 196th.  I would also add I-5 and both Marine View Drive and SR 529, but there are no exits between the two exits, so not really useful, but still missing.

[KEK Inc.]

Well 525 needs to be a freeway until Mukilteo.  It's humorous it is called a speedway with a 35 mph speed trap. 


iPhone

[Bruce]

I would also add I-5 and both Marine View Drive and SR 529, but there are no exits between the two exits, so not really useful, but still missing.

The SR 529 interchange might be slightly improved with a NB I-5 to NB SR 529 offramp (so Marysville-bound traffic can avoid crossing the BNSF mainline via SR 528) in the near future.

And the Swamp Creek (I-5/I-405/SR 525) interchange is missing something else: HOV access. A bus coming from Lynnwood Transit Center has to fight Alderwood Mall traffic in order to serve Mukilteo or I-405, which slows down a lot of commutes. With light rail terminating at Lynnwood in 2023, WSDOT needs to start planning for building an HOV ramp from I-5 to I-405. (And speaking of HOV ramps and Lynnwood, Ash Way is still missing the northern half of its direct-access ramp.)

[jp the roadgeek]

I-495 N to I-95 S and I-95 N to I-495 S direct connections do not exist just south of the NH border. 

[lordsutch]

I'm actually a little surprised GDOT was allowed to rebuild the I-75/475 split south of Macon about a decade ago without including the SB-to-NB movements. They'd actually be reasonably useful as a bypass for the traffic-light infested commercial strip on US 80.