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Introduction to the Diverging Diamond Interchange. Alaska DOT Quarterly Design Meeting Anchorage, AK March 30, 2010. Steve Speth, P.E., PTOE Professional Associate HDR Engineering. Presentation Purpose. Background / History Site Choice Considerations Traffic Operations Design Safety.
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Introduction to the Diverging Diamond Interchange Alaska DOT Quarterly Design Meeting Anchorage, AK March 30, 2010 Steve Speth, P.E., PTOE Professional Associate HDR Engineering
Presentation Purpose • Background / History • Site Choice Considerations • Traffic Operations • Design • Safety
Background/History • What is a DDI? • Why build a DDI? • How many DDIs have been built? • Where are they being considered?
DDI Concept Overview Source: Missouri Department of Transportation
Background/History • Why build a DDI? • Improve Capacity for Interchange with high turning movements • Minimize Bridge Costs • Improve Safety
Background/History • What is a DDI? • Why build a DDI? • How many DDIs have been built? • Where are they being considered?
Proposed DDI Locations • Missouri – 7+ locations • Illinois – 2 locations • Kentucky – 5 locations • Utah – 7+ locations • New Mexico – 2+ locations • California – 1 location • Oregon – 1 location • Ohio – 2+ locations • Florida, New York, North Carolina, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wyoming, Colorado…
Site Choice Considerations • The DDI is not the perfect solution for every situation • Things to consider: • Mainline and crossroad alignment • Bridge Height Restrictions • Right-of way constraints • Access control • Nearby signals • Traffic volumes – High Through Volume on cross-street
Traffic Operations • Must be analyzed with Simulation (VISSIM) • Delay is decreased dramatically (generally >50% decrease) • When doing conceptual studies of interchange types, the capacity of 5 lane DDI has been comparable to an 8 lane Diamond or SPUI • The higher the turning traffic, the more dramatic the benefit for the DDI – we have had studies where a 4 lane DDI has outperformed an 8 lane Diamond
Traffic Operations • Why are the operations so much better? • Less Conflict Points = better operations • Less “Crossing Movements” • Traffic Signalization Benefits (shorter cycle, less phases, less lost time) • Freeway operations are improved • “Platooning” of vehicles onto the freeway are reduced • Speeds from the ramp are more consistent • Can be a significant improvement
Design Considerations • Profiles and Grade Separation • Crossing Intersection Angle • Crossroad to Freeway Intersection Angle • Ramp Terminal Separation Distance • Right-of-Way • Access Control • Design Vehicle/Lane widths
Design Considerations • Design Speed and Reverse Curvature • Signing and Striping • Glare Screening • Bicycle and Pedestrian Treatments
Design • Are there design standards for DDIs? • What is the design speed of the reverse curves on the crossroad through movement? • What is the optimum intersection angle of the crossing through movements? • Are there standards for signing and striping?
Design Elements Interior Angle Additional Striping
Safety • Is the DDI safer or is it a safety risk? • Can bicycles and pedestrians safely traverse a DDI?
Safety • Is the DDI safer or is it a safety risk? • Can bicycles and pedestrians safely traverse a DDI?
Contact Information Steve Speth, P.E., PTOE Professional Associate HDR Engineering 24954 Highway 395 South Canyon City, OR 97820 steve.speth@hdrinc.com