Reasonable Alternatives for Grade-Separated Intersection

Grade-separated intersections increase the capacity of two non-freeway roads by elevating two or more approaches, thereby removing conflict points. Despite not including a freeway, most of the grade-separated intersections are designed using freeway-level concepts such as loop ramps. While sometimes efficient, this results in excessive right-of-way needs, increased instances of pedestrians crossing free-flow movements, and over design. This project will develop renderings of each of the left turning options including general guidance on median placement, lane assignments, and right-of-way needs. General determination of cost as well as vehicular and pedestrian safety impacts will be detailed in the guidance for planning and design professionals. Because some innovative intersections have been patented, a patent landscape analysis will investigate the existing patents in grade-separated intersection designs. Finally, both deterministic and stochastic operational analysis will be conducted, with a micro-simulation analysis for the designs with the greatest potential for implementation in North Carolina. With this guidance on cost, safety, and operations, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) planners and engineers will be able to more appropriately select a grade-separated intersection design for various vehicular and pedestrian volume levels.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Completed
  • Funding: $218,943
  • Contract Numbers:

    FHWA/NC/2018-20

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    North Carolina Department of Transportation

    Research and Development
    1549 Mail Service Center
    Raleigh, NC  United States  27699-1549
  • Managing Organizations:

    North Carolina Department of Transportation

    Research and Development
    1549 Mail Service Center
    Raleigh, NC  United States  27699-1549
  • Project Managers:

    Penny, Lisa

  • Performing Organizations:

    North Carolina State University, Raleigh

    Institute for Transportation Research and Education
    Campus Box 8601
    Raleigh, NC  United States  27695-8601
  • Principal Investigators:

    Warchol, Shannon

    Chase, R.

  • Start Date: 20170801
  • Expected Completion Date: 20191231
  • Actual Completion Date: 20200723

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01640077
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: North Carolina Department of Transportation
  • Contract Numbers: FHWA/NC/2018-20
  • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Jun 30 2017 3:37PM