ACTS

Roadway Friendliness Tool

Treatment 15: Re-align Skewed Intersections

National guidance: The AASHTO Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 1994 Edition, suggests that roads should intersect at or close to 90°, but tolerates a 60°crossing, even on reconstruction.

Where might you find this on your system: You might find this system at intersections.

Recommendation: Older drivers generally cannot turn their heads and necks to the extent that they could when they were younger. Scanning the cross-traffic and judging if its safe to pull out becomes increasingly difficult for them as the angle of intersection varies from 90°. Reconstruction of an intersection to provide right angle crossing improves the safety and traffic capacity of the intersection for all users. Although a rural intersection is pictured above, the reasoning applies to urban areas as well.

Conflicts with other community goals: Intersection reconstruction normally requires purchase of right-of-way, which may be expensive in a downtown or suburban area.

Ease of implementation: This recommendation requires major road reconstruction, although the area to be constructed is limited. Right-of-way purchase and side road closures are required. Large earth working and paving equipment are needed, and skilled crews to work them. Urban reconstruction, though requiring less land area, will involve expensive and time-consuming relocation of public and private utilities.

Previous Treatment | Next Treatment
Roadway Friendliness Tool