ECE2404: HIGHWAY ENGINEERING 1
• Intersection design: at-grade junctions, roundabouts, conflict points, kerbed and Ghost
islands, lane separation, acceleration and deceleration lanes, intersection site triangle.
Intersection Design
Intersection design aims to ensure safe, efficient, and orderly movement of traffic while
minimizing delays and conflicts between road users.
1. At-Grade Junctions
At-grade junctions are intersections where roads meet at the same level.
Types include:
• T-junctions
• Cross (4-leg) intersections
• Staggered intersections
• Multi-leg intersections
Design considerations:
• Traffic volume and composition
• Speed of approaching vehicles
• Sight distance
• Turning movements
• Pedestrian and cyclist safety
Poorly designed at-grade junctions increase conflict points and accident risk.
2. Roundabouts
Roundabouts are circular at-grade intersections where traffic flows clockwise around a
central island (left-hand traffic).
Advantages:
• Reduced vehicle speeds
• Fewer severe conflicts
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• Lower accident rates
• Continuous traffic flow
Key design elements:
• Entry and exit geometry
• Central island diameter
• Entry deflection
• Weaving length
• Adequate signage and markings
3. Conflict Points
Conflict points are locations where vehicle paths intersect, merge, or diverge.
Types:
• Crossing conflicts (most severe)
• Merging conflicts
• Diverging conflicts
Design objective:
• Reduce the number and severity of conflict points
(e.g., a roundabout has fewer conflict points than a conventional cross-intersection).
4. Kerbed Islands
Kerbed islands are raised, kerbed areas provided within intersections.
Functions:
• Channelize traffic
• Reduce conflict areas
• Provide pedestrian refuge
• Improve intersection visibility
They are commonly used in urban areas with controlled traffic.
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5. Ghost Islands
Ghost islands are painted or hatched areas (not raised) used to guide traffic movements.
Functions:
• Channelize traffic without physical obstruction
• Separate opposing flows
• Reduce accidents at low-speed intersections
They are cheaper than kerbed islands and suitable where space or budget is limited.
6. Lane Separation
Lane separation involves dividing traffic into distinct lanes for through, turning, or merging
movements.
Benefits:
• Reduces driver confusion
• Improves capacity
• Minimizes side-swipe collisions
• Encourages orderly turning movements
This is achieved using markings, medians, or islands.
7. Acceleration and Deceleration Lanes
These lanes allow vehicles to safely change speed when entering or exiting a major road.
Acceleration lanes:
• Enable vehicles to gain speed before merging
Deceleration lanes:
• Allow vehicles to slow down without disrupting through traffic
They improve safety and operational efficiency, especially at high-speed intersections.
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8. Intersection Site Triangle (Sight Triangle)
The site triangle is a clear area at an intersection that provides drivers with adequate sight
distance.
Requirements:
• No obstructions (buildings, vegetation, signs)
• Adequate visibility for approaching vehicles
Proper sight triangles reduce reaction time and collision risk.
Conclusion
Good intersection design minimizes conflicts, delays, and accidents while improving safety for
motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. The appropriate use of islands, lane separation, and sight
distance provisions is essential for effective traffic control.
INTERSECTION DESIGN (WITH SKETCHES & STANDARDS)
1. At-Grade Junctions
Sketch: Typical 4-Leg At-Grade Intersection
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Kenyan / AASHTO Standards
• Used where traffic volumes are moderate
• Design based on:
o Design speed (MoR Kenya adopts AASHTO speed concepts)
o Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) per AASHTO Green Book
• Traffic control:
o Unsignalised → STOP / GIVE WAY (MoR Traffic Signs Manual)
o Signalised → spacing and phasing per AASHTO guidance
2. Roundabouts
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Sketch: Single-Lane Roundabout
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↑ ↓
↑ ○○○ ↓
↑ ↓
←←←
Kenyan / AASHTO Standards
• Widely used in Kenya (urban & rural highways) to reduce crashes
• MoR Kenya design guidance:
o Entry angle provides vehicle deflection
o Entry speeds typically 30–50 km/h
• AASHTO:
o Reduced conflict points (8 vs 32 in crossroads)
o Central island sized for design vehicle (truck/bus)
3. Conflict Points
Sketch: Conflict Points at Cross-Intersection
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←─── X X ───→
↘ ↓ ↙
Standards Application
• AASHTO:
o Minimize crossing conflicts (most severe)
• MoR Kenya:
o Encourages channelisation, roundabouts, and turning lanes
• Safety audits in Kenya specifically check conflict point density
4. Kerbed Islands
Sketch: Kerbed Channelising Island
→→→ |██| ↗
→→→ |██| ↑
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Kenyan / AASHTO Standards
• Used in urban intersections
• MoR Kenya:
o Raised kerbs for positive guidance
o Acts as pedestrian refuge
• AASHTO:
o Improves driver expectancy
o Reduces turning speed and conflicts
5. Ghost Islands
Sketch: Ghost Island (Painted)
→→→ |||||| ↗
→→→ |||||| ↑
Standards Application
• MoR Kenya:
o Used where speeds are moderate
o Cost-effective alternative to kerbed islands
• AASHTO:
o Suitable where physical islands are impractical
o Requires clear markings and signs
6. Lane Separation
Sketch: Through & Turning Lanes
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↗ (Right-turn lane)
Kenyan / AASHTO Standards
• MoR Kenya:
o Mandatory where turning volumes are high
o Improves junction capacity
• AASHTO:
o Reduces rear-end and side-swipe collisions
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o Lane widths typically 3.3–3.6 m
7. Acceleration & Deceleration Lanes
Sketch
Main Road →→→→→→→→
↘
↘ Deceleration Lane
↘
Kenyan / AASHTO Standards
• Required on high-speed roads (>80 km/h)
• AASHTO:
o Length depends on design speed and grade
• MoR Kenya:
o Applied at major rural junctions and interchanges
o Improves safety and traffic flow
8. Intersection Site Triangle (Sight Triangle)
Sketch: Sight Triangle
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Kenyan / AASHTO Standards
• Must be free of obstructions
• AASHTO:
o Based on Stopping Sight Distance (SSD)
• MoR Kenya:
o Vegetation, walls, kiosks prohibited in sight triangle
o Enforced during road safety audits
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