Crossover intersections are innovative designs aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing traffic congestion. These designs strategically shift traffic to the left side of the road, allowing for smoother, unopposed left turns. Two prominent examples of crossover intersections are Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDIs) and Displaced Left-Turn (DLT) intersections.
Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDIs)
Diverging Diamond Interchanges, or DDIs, are a type of interchange that improves traffic flow by temporarily moving traffic to the opposite side of the road. This innovative design eliminates traditional left turns against oncoming traffic, which are often a source of accidents and delays. By allowing vehicles to cross over to the left side, DDIs create a free-flowing movement for left-turning vehicles, significantly enhancing safety and efficiency at interchanges.
Displaced Left-Turn Intersections
Displaced Left-Turn (DLT) intersections represent another effective crossover design. Similar to DDIs, DLTs improve intersection performance by reconfiguring left turns. In a DLT intersection, left-turning traffic is “displaced” or moved to the left side of the road before the main intersection. This displacement allows left-turning vehicles to proceed without conflicting with through traffic, streamlining traffic flow and reducing potential conflict points.
Both DDIs and DLT intersections represent significant advancements in intersection design, offering practical solutions to improve safety and manage traffic congestion effectively.
