Double crossover merging interchange
Double crossover merging interchange (DCMI) is a new design for a road [[interchange (road)|interchange. It is a free-flowing design, includes elements from the diverging diamond interchange, the standard diamond interchange and the stack interchange. It eliminates the disadvantages of weaving and of merging into the outside lane from which the standard DDI variation suffers. A patent has been applied for.[1]
Design
The lane configuration allows for high capacity free-flow traffic without the need for costly elevated "flyover" roadway bridges, and uses less lane area and structures than an interchange with large radius flyover(s).[2] The DCMI also has similarities to a standard diamond interchange and to a stack interchange. DCMI uses a standard main bridge with two smaller bridges on either side. DCMI lets vehicles cross over conflicting traffic streams while removing weaving maneuvers. This configuration produces an interchange with merging maneuvers.[3][4] By placing two smaller bridges on either side of the main bridge, the traffic signals can be eliminated. Additionally, off-ramp traffic can be crossed over on the same smaller side bridges used by the main traffic patterns. This removes conflicts that would take place with an at-grade traffic signal. The key feature of this type of design is not only the elimination of the conflicts that occur at-grade, but also allowing the off-ramp traffic to cross over without the need for lane changes or weaving. The double crossover merging interchange introduces a number of new mechanisms to a tight diamond type interchange while producing a free-flow traffic environment interchange. No such interchanges have been constructed.[5]
DCMI advantages
- No weaving sections
- Free-flow operations
- Reduced vehicle emissions (no idling vehicles)
- No right-angle crossing conflicts
- No traffic signals
- Less costly to construct than a full free-flow interchange with flyover roadway bridges
DCMI disadvantages
- May be more costly than a standard diamond or diverging diamond.
See also
- Grade separation
- Slip road
- Diamond interchange
- Diverging diamond interchange
- Three-level diamond
- Cloverleaf interchange
- Dogbone interchange (restricted dumbbell)
- Double crossover merging
- Dumbbell interchange
- Free-flow interchange
- Partial cloverleaf interchange
- Raindrop interchange
- Single and double roundabouts (grade-separated roundabout)
- Single-point urban interchange
- Stack interchange
- Windmill interchange
References
- ^ (A1) US 2013011190 (A1), Gingrich, Michael A., Sr., "Double Crossover Merging Interchange", published January 10, 2013, assigned to Gingrich, Michael A., Sr.
WO application 2013009704, Gingrich, Michael A., Sr., "Double Crossover Merging Interchange", published January 17, 2013, assigned to Gingrich, Michael A., Sr. - ^ Hughes, Warren; Jagannathan, Ram; Sengupta, Dibu; Hummer, Joe (April 2010). Alternative Intersections/Interchanges: Informational Report (AIIR) (Report). Federal Highway Administration.
{{cite report}}: Unknown parameter|lastauthoramp=ignored (|name-list-style=suggested) (help) - ^ "Double Crossover Merging Interchange".
- ^ Gingrich, Michael A., Sr. (June 2011). "DCMI (Double Crossover Merging Interchange)" (PDF). Institute of Transportation Engineers. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Hamilton, Grant (March 4, 2012). "35 Years to Upgrade the Highway?". Brandon Sun. Retrieved January 23, 2013.