HIGHWAY AND RAILROAD ENGINEERING
TYPES OF INTERSECTION
An Intersection is defined as the general area where two or more roadways join or cross, including
roadway and roadside facilities for the traffic movements within this area. Each roadway approaching an
intersection comprises a leg of the intersection. It is recommended that an intersection have no more
than four of these intersecting legs.
INTERSECTION TYPES
1. Intersections-at-Grade (At Same Level)
Intersections-at-grade refer to points where two or
more roads or pathways cross each other at the
same level or elevation. This means that all traffic
movements occur on a flat, horizontal plane,
without any elevation changes or separations
between the intersecting routes. These
intersections are common in urban planning and
road design, where different roads meet directly
without bridges or underpasses.
Characteristics:
1. Single Level: All roads or pathways intersect on the same horizontal plane.
2. Direct Crossing: Vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists travel across each other’s paths directly.
3. Traffic Control: These intersections often require traffic control devices, such as traffic lights, stop
signs, or roundabouts, to manage the flow of traffic and ensure safety.
2. Grade Separation (Highway Levels Not Connected)
Grade separation refers to a design approach in
transportation infrastructure where different levels of
roadways or railway lines do not intersect at the same
elevation. This method prevents the crossing of traffic
flows at the same level, reducing potential conflicts
and improving traffic efficiency and safety. Grade
separation is essential in high-traffic areas and is
commonly used in highway and rail systems.
Types of Grade Separation
1. Overpasses (Elevated Roads)
An overpass is a bridge that allows one road to cross over another road or railway line.
The road on the overpass remains elevated above the road or railway beneath it.
2. Underpasses (Depressed Roads)
An underpass is a road or railway line that runs below another road or railway line.
The upper road or railway remains at grade, while the lower road or railway is constructed in a
trench or depression.
3. Interchanges
Interchanges are complex grade-separated intersections involving multiple levels of roads
connected by ramps.
They are designed to facilitate the smooth transition between different roadways without direct
crossing.
3. Interchange (Highway Levels Are Connected)
An interchange is a critical infrastructure component in
transportation systems designed to facilitate the
efficient and safe movement of traffic between
different highways or roadways without requiring
vehicles to stop. Unlike simple intersections,
interchanges allow for the seamless transition of
traffic at different levels, minimizing disruptions and
conflicts.
Types of Interchanges
1. Diamond Interchange
The diamond interchange connects a major highway with a minor road via four ramps, forming a
diamond shape.
It features a simple design, where the minor road crosses underneath or over the major highway.
2. Cloverleaf Interchange
The cloverleaf interchange is designed with loop ramps that allow for smooth transitions
between two highways without direct crossing.
It forms a cloverleaf pattern when viewed from above.
3. Stack Interchange
The stack interchange is a complex interchange with multiple levels of roads stacked vertically,
often used in high-traffic areas.
It features a network of ramps connecting different levels of highways.
4. Trumpet Interchange
The trumpet interchange connects a freeway with a major road or another freeway using a curved
ramp design resembling a trumpet.
5. Half-Diamond Interchange
A variation of the diamond interchange where only one direction of the minor road is connected
to the highway.
