Highway Intersection

HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 400-1
March 7, 2014
patterns in intersections must be analyzed early in

CHAPTER 400 the planning phase and then followed through
INTERSECTIONS AT GRADE appropriately during the design phase of all
intersections on the State highway. It is
Intersections are planned points of conflict where Departmental policy to develop integrated
two or more roadways join or cross. At-grade multimodal projects in balance with community
intersections are among the most complicated goals, plans, and values.
elements on the highway system, and control the The Complete Intersections: A Guide to
efficiency, capacity, and safety for motorized and Reconstructing Intersections and Interchanges for
non-motorized users of the facility. The type and Bicyclists and Pedestrians contains a primer on the
operation of an intersection is important to the factors to consider when designing intersections. It
adjacent property owners, motorists, bicyclists, is published by the California Division of Traffic
pedestrians, transit operators, the trucking industry, Operations.
and the local community.
401.2 Human Factors
There are two basic types of at grade intersections:
crossing and circular. It is not recommended that (1) The Driver. An appreciation of driver
intersections have more than four legs. performance is essential to proper highway
Occasionally, local development and land uses design and operation. The suitability of a
create the need for a more complex intersection design rests as much on how safely and
design. Such intersections may require a specialized efficiently drivers are able to use the highway
intersection design to handle the specify traffic as on any other criterion.
demands at that location. In addition to the guidance Motorists perception and reaction time set the
in this manual, see Traffic Operations Policy standards for sight distance and length of
Directive (TOPD) Number 13-02: Intersection transitions. The drivers ability to understand
Control Evaluation (ICE) for direction and and interpret the movements and crossing
procedures on the evaluation, comparison and times of the other vehicle drivers, bicyclists,
selection of the intersection types and control and pedestrians using the intersection is
strategies identified in Index 401.5. Also refer to the equally important when making decisions and
Complete Streets Intersection Guide for further their associated reactions. The designer needs
information. to keep in mind the users limitations and
therefore design intersections so that they meet
Topic 401 - Factors Affecting user expectation.
Design
(2) The Bicyclist. Bicyclist experience, skills and
Index 401.1 - General physical capabilities are factors in intersection
design. Intersections are to be designed to help
At-grade intersections must handle a variety of bicyclists understand how to traverse the
conflicts among users, which includes truck, transit, intersection. Chapter 1000 provides
pedestrians, and bicycles. These recurring conflicts intersection guidance for Class I and Class III
play a major role in the preparation of design stan- bikeways that intersect the State highway
dards and guidelines. Arriving, departing, merging, system. The guidance in this chapter
turning, and crossing paths of moving pedestrians, specifically relates to bicyclists that operate
bicycles, truck, and vehicular traffic have to be within intersections on the State highway
accommodated within a relatively small area. The system.
objective of designing an intersection is to
effectively balance the convenience, ease, and (3) The Pedestrian. Understanding how
comfort of the users, as well as the human factors, pedestrians will use an intersection is critical
with moving traffic (automobiles, trucks, because pedestrian volumes, their age ranges,
motorcycles, transit vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, physical ability, etc. all factor in to their startup
etc.).The safety and mobility needs of motorist, time and the time it takes them to cross an
bicyclist and pedestrians as well as their movement intersection and thus, dictates how to design
400-2 HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL
March 7, 2014
the intersection to avoid potential conflicts complexity of a State highway and can result in
with bicyclists and motor vehicles. The busy intersections.
guidance in this chapter specifically relates to
Industrial development may require special attention
pedestrian travel within intersections on the
to the movement of large trucks.
State highway system. See Topic 105,
Pedestrian Facilities, Design Information Rural areas where farming occurs may require
Bulletin 82 - Pedestrian Accessibility special attention for specialized farm equipment. In
Guidelines for Highway Projects, the addition, rural cities or town centers (rural main
AASHTO Guide for the Planning, Design, and streets) also require special attention.
Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, and the Rural intersections in farm areas with low traffic
California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control volumes may have special visibility problems or
Devices (California MUTCD) for additional require shadowing of left-turn vehicles from high
guidance. speed approach traffic.
401.3 Traffic Considerations
Table 401.3
Good intersection design clearly indicates to
bicyclists and motorists how to traverse the Vehicle Characteristics Intersection Design
intersection (see Figure 403.6A). Designs that Element Affected
encourage merging traffic to yield to through
bicycle and motor vehicle traffic are desirable. Length Length of storage lane
The size, maneuverability, and other characteristics Width Lane width
of bicycles and motorized vehicles (automobiles, Height Clearance to overhead
trucks, transit vehicles, farm equipment, etc.) are all signs and signals
factors that influence the design of an intersection.
The differences in operating characteristics between Wheel base Corner radius and width
bicycles and motor vehicles should be considered of turning lanes
early in design. Acceleration Tapers and length of
Table 401.3 compares vehicle characteristics to acceleration lane
intersection design elements. Deceleration Tapers and length of
A design vehicle is a convenient means of deceleration lane
representing a particular segment of the vehicle
population. See Topic 404 for a further discussion
of the uses of design vehicles. There are many factors to be considered in the
design of intersections, with the goal to achieve a
Transit vehicles and how their stops interrelate with functional, safe and efficient intersection for all
an intersection, pedestrian desired walking patterns users of the facility. The location and level of use
and potential transfers to other transit facilities are by various modes will have an impact on
another critical factor to understand when designing intersection design, and therefore should be
an intersection. Transit stops and their placement considered early in the design process. In addition to
needs to take into account the required maintenance current levels of use, it is important to consider
operations that will be needed and usually supplied future travel patterns for vehicles, including trucks;
by the Transit Operator. pedestrian and bicycle demand and the future
401.4 The Physical Environment expansion of transit.
In highly developed urban areas, where right of way 401.5 Intersection Type
is usually limited, the volume of vehicular traffic, Intersection types are characterized by their basic
pedestrians, and bicyclists may be large, street geometric configuration, and the form of
parking exists, and transit stops (for both buses and intersection traffic control that is employed:
light rail) are available. All interact in a variety of
movements that contribute to and add to the
March 7, 2014
(1) Geometric Configurations Rapid Transit (BRT) or light rail facilities which can
have a large impact on other users of the
(a) Crossing-Type Intersections - Tee and 4-
intersection. Consideration of these modes should
legged intersections
be part of the early planning and design of
(b) Circular Intersections roundabouts, traffic intersections.
circles, rotaries; however, only roundabouts
are acceptable for State highways. Topic 402 - Operational Features
(c) Alternative Intersection Designs various Affecting Design
effective geometric alternatives to
traditional designs that can reduce crashes 402.1 Capacity
and their severity, improve operations, Adequate capacity to handle peak period traffic
reduce congestion and delay typically by demands is a basic goal of intersection design.
reducing or altering the number of conflict
points; these alternatives include geometric (1) Unsignalized Intersections. The Highway
design features such as intersections with Capacity Manual, provides methodology for
displaced left-turns or variations on U-turns. capacity analysis of unsignalized intersections
controlled by STOP or YIELD signs. The
(2) Intersection Control strategies, See California assumption is made that major street traffic is
MUTCD and Traffic Operations Policy not affected by the minor street movement.
Directive (TOPD) Number 13-02, Intersection Unsignalized intersections generally become
Control Evaluation for procedures and guidance candidates for signalization when traffic
on how to evaluate, compare and select from backups begin to develop on the cross street or
among the following intersection control when gaps in traffic are insufficient for drivers
strategies: to yield to crossing pedestrians. See the
(a) Two-Way Stop Controlled - for minor road California MUTCD, for signal warrants.
traffic Changes to intersection controls must be
coordinated with District Traffic Branch.
(b) All-Way Stop Control
(2) Signalized Intersections. See Topic 406 for
(c) Signal Control analysis of simple signalized intersections,
(d) Yield Control (Roundabout) including ramps. The analysis of complex and
alternative intersections should be referred to
Historically, crossing-type intersections with signal the District Traffic Branch; also see Traffic
or STOP-control have been used on the State Operations Policy Directive (TOPD) Number
highway system. However, other intersection types, 13-02.
given the appropriate circumstances may enhance
intersection performance through fewer or less (3) Roundabout Intersections. See TOPD Number
severe crashes and improve operations by reducing 13-02 for screening process and the
overall delay. Alternative intersection geometric Intersection Control Evaluation(ICE) Process
designs should be considered and evaluated early in Informational Guide for operational analysis
the project scoping, planning and decision-making methods and tools.
stages, as they may be more efficient, economical 402.2 Collisions
and safer solutions than traditional designs.
Alternative intersection designs can effectively (1) General. Intersections have a higher potential
balance the safety and mobility needs of the motor for conflict compared to other sections of the
vehicle drivers, transit riders, bicyclists and highway because travel is interrupted, traffic
pedestrians using the intersection. streams cross, and many types of turning
movements occur.
401.6 Transit
The type of traffic control affects the type of
Transit use may range from periodic buses, handled collisions. Signalized intersections tend to
as part of the normal mix of vehicular traffic, to Bus have more rear end and same-direction
July 1, 2015
sideswipes than intersections with STOP- Vehicle Code, but should have separate
control on minor legs. Roundabouts experience consideration of their needs, even separate facilities
few angle or crossing collisions. Roundabouts if volumes warrant. Pedestrians should not be
reduce the frequency and severity of collisions, prohibited from crossing one or more legs of an
especially when compared to the performance intersection, unless no other safe alternative exists.
of signalized intersections in high speed Pedestrians can be prohibited from crossing one or
environments. Other alternative intersection more legs of an intersection if a reasonable alternate
types are configurations to consider for route exists and there is a demonstrated need to do
minimizing the number of conflict points. so. All pedestrian facilities shall be ADA compliant
as outlined in DIB 82. Transit needs should be
(2) Undesirable Geometric Features.
determined early in the planning and design phase
Inadequate approach sight distance. as their needs can have a large impact on the
performance of an intersection. Transit stops in the
Inadequate corner sight distance.
vicinity of intersections should be evaluated for
Steep grades. their effect on the safety and operation of the
intersection(s) under study. See Topic 108 for
Five or more approaches. additional information.
Presence of curves within 402.5 Speed-Change Areas
intersections(unless at roundabouts).
Speed-change areas for vehicles entering or leaving
Inappropriately large curb radii. main streams of traffic are beneficial to the safety
Long pedestrian crossing distances. and efficiency of an intersection. Entering traffic
merges most efficiently with through traffic when
Intersection Angle <75 degrees (see Topic the merging angle is less than 15 degrees and when
403). speed differentials are at a minimum.
402.3 On-Street Parking
Topic 403 - Principles of
On-street parking generally decreases through-
traffic capacity, impedes traffic flow, and increases
Channelization
crash potential. Where the primary service of the 403.1 Preference to Major Movements
arterial is the movement of vehicles, it may be
desirable to prohibit on-street parking on State The provision of direct free-flowing high-standard
highways in urban and suburban expressways and alignment to give preference to major movements is
rural arterial sections. However, within urban and good channelization practice. This may require
suburban areas and in rural communities located on some degree of control of the minor movements
State highways, on-street parking should be such as stopping, funneling, or even eliminating
considered in order to accommodate existing land them. These controlling measures should conform
uses. Where adequate off-street parking facilities are to natural paths of movement and should be
not available, the designer should consider on-street introduced gradually to promote smooth and
parking, so that the proposed highway improvement efficient operation.
will be compatible with the land use. On-street 403.2 Areas of Conflict
parking as well as off-street parking needs to
comply with DIB82. See AASHTO, A Policy on Large multilane undivided intersection areas are
Geometric Design of Highways and Streets for undesirable. The hazards of conflicting movements
additional guidance related to on-street parking. are magnified when motorists, bicyclists, and
pedestrians are unable to anticipate movements of
402.4 Consider All Users other users within these areas. Channelization
Intersections should accommodate all users of the reduces areas of conflict by separating or regulating
facility, including vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians traffic movements into definite paths of travel by the
and transit. Bicycles have all the rights and use of pavement markings or traffic islands.
responsibilities as motorist per the California
December 30, 2015
Multilane undivided intersections, even with bikeway crossings at railroads follow similar
signalization, are more difficult for pedestrians to guidance to Class I bikeway crossings at railroads,
cross. Providing pedestrian refuge islands enable see Index 1003.5(3), and Figure 403.3B.
pedestrians to cross fewer lanes at a time.
A characteristic of skewed intersection angles is that
See Index 403.7 for traffic island guidance when they result in larger intersections.
used as pedestrian refuge. Curb extensions shorten
When existing intersection angles are less than
crossing distance and increase visibility. See Index
75 degrees, the following retrofit improvement
303.4 for curb extensions.
strategies should be considered:
403.3 Angle of Intersection Realign the subordinate intersection legs if the
A right angle (90) intersection provides the most new alignment and intersection location(s) can
favorable conditions for intersecting and turning be designed without introducing new geometric
traffic movements. Specifically, a right angle or operational deficiencies.
provides:
Provide acceleration lanes for difficult turning
The shortest crossing distance for motor movements due to radius or limited visibility.
vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Restrict problematic turning movements; e.g.
Sight lines which optimize corner sight distance for minor road left turns with potentially limited
and the ability of motorists to judge the relative visibility.
position and speed of approach traffic.
Provide refuge areas for pedestrians at very long
Intersection geometry that can reduce vehicle crossings.
turning speeds so collisions are more easily
For additional guidance on the above and other
avoided and the severity of collisions are
improvement strategies, consult with the District
minimized.
Design Liaison or HQ Traffic Liaison.
Intersection geometry that sends a message to Particular attention should be given to skewed
turning bicyclists and motorists that they are angles on curved alignment with regards to sight
making a turning movement and should yield as distance and visibility. Crossroads skewed to the
appropriate to through traffic on the roadway left have more restricted visibility for drivers of
they are leaving, to traffic on the receiving vans and trucks than crossroads skewed to the right.
roadway, and to pedestrians crossing the In addition, severely skewed intersection angles,
intersection. coupled with steep downgrades (generally over
Minor deviations from right angles are generally 4 percent) can increase the potential for high
acceptable provided that the potentially detrimental centered vehicles to overturn where the vehicle is on
impact on visibility and turning movements for a downgrade and must make a turn greater than
large trucks (see Topic 404) can be mitigated. 90 degrees onto a crossroad. These factors should
However, large deviations from right angles may be considered in the design of skewed intersections.
decrease visibility, hamper certain turning
403.4 Points of Conflict
operations, and will increase the size of the
intersection and therefore crossing distances for Channelization separates and clearly defines points
bicyclists and pedestrians, may encourage high of conflict within the intersection. Bicyclists,
speed turns, and may reduce yielding by turning pedestrians and motorists should be exposed to only
traffic. When a right angle cannot be provided due one conflict or confronted with one decision at a
to physical constraints, the interior angle should be time.
designed as close to 90 degrees as is practical, but Speed-change areas for diverging traffic should
should not be less than 75 degrees. Mitigation provide adequate length clear of the through lanes to
should be considered for the affected intersection permit vehicles to decelerate after leaving the
design features. (See Figure 403.3A). A 75 degree through lanes.
angle does not unreasonably increase the crossing
distance or generally decrease visibility. Class II
March 7, 2014
See AASHTO, A Policy on Geometric Design of 403.6 Turning Traffic

Highways and Streets for additional guidance on
speed-change lanes. A separate turning lane removes turning movements
from the intersection area. Abrupt changes in
Figure 403.3A alignment or sight distance should be avoided,
particularly where traffic turns into a separate
Angle of Intersection turning lane from a high-standard through facility.
(Minor Leg Skewed to the Right) For wide medians, consider the use of offset left-
turn lanes at both signalized and unsignalized
intersections. Opposing left-turn lanes are offset or
shifted as far to the left as practical by reducing the
width of separation immediately before the
intersection. Rather than aligning the left-turn lane
exactly parallel with and adjacent to the through
lane, the offset left-turn lane is separated from the
adjacent through lane. Offset left-turn lanes provide
improved visibility of opposing through traffic. For
further guidance on offset left-turn lanes, see
AASHTO, A Policy on Geometric Design of
Highways and Streets.
(1) Treatment of Intersections with Right-Turn-
Figure 403.3.B Only Lanes. Most motor vehicle/bicycle
collisions occur at intersections. For this
Class II Bikeway reason, intersection design should be
Crossing Railroad accomplished in a manner that will minimize
confusion by motorists and bicyclists,
eliminate ambiguity and induce all road users
to operate in accordance with the statutory
rules of the road in the California Vehicle
Code. Right-turn-only lanes should be
designed to meet user expectations and reduce
conflicts between vehicles and bicyclists.
Figure 403.6A illustrates a typical at-grade
intersection of multilane streets without right-
turn-only lanes. Bike lanes or shoulders are
included on all approaches. Some common
movements of motor vehicles and bicycles are
shown. A prevalent crash type is between
straight-through bicyclists and right-turning
motorists, who do not yield to through
bicyclists.
Optional right-turn lanes should not be used in
403.5 (Currently Not In Use) combination with right-turn-only lanes on
roads where bicycle travel is permitted. The
use of optional right-turn lanes in combination
with right-turn-only lanes is not recommended
in any case where a Class II bike lane is
present. This may increase the need for dual or
triple right-turn-only lanes, which have
May 7, 2012
Figure 403.6A
Typical Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Movements at Intersections of Multilane
Streets without Right-Turn-Only Lanes
NOTE:
Only one direction is shown for clarity.
July 1, 2015
Figure 403.6B
Bicycle Left-Turn-Only Lane
NOTES:
(1) For bicycle lane markings, see the California MUTCD.
(2) Bicycle detectors are necessary for signalized intersections.
(3) Left-turn bicycle lane should have receiving bike lane or shoulder.
December 16, 2016
challenges with visibility between turning 403.7 Refuge Areas

vehicles and pedestrians. Multiple right-turn-
only lanes should not be free right-turns when Traffic islands should be used to provide refuge
there is a pedestrian crossing. If there is a areas for bicyclists and pedestrians. See Index
pedestrian crossing on the receiving leg of 405.4 for further guidance.
multiple right-turn-only lanes, the intersection 403.8 Prohibited Turns
should be controlled by a pedestrian signal
head, or geometrically designed such that Traffic islands may be used to direct bicycle and
pedestrians cross only one turning lane at a motorized vehicle traffic streams in desired
time. directions and prevent undesirable movements.
Care should be taken so that islands used for this
Locations with right-turn-only lanes should purpose accommodate convenient and safe
provide a minimum 4-foot width for bicycle pedestrian and bicycle crossings, drainage, and
use between the right-turn and through lane striping options. See Topic 303.
when bikes are permitted, except where posted
speed is greater than 40 miles per hour, the 403.9 Effective Signal Control
minimum width should be 6 feet. At intersections with complex turning movements,
Configurations that create a weaving area channelization is required for effective signal
without defined lanes should not be used. control. Channelization permits the sorting of
For signing and delineation of bicycle lanes at approaching bicycles and motorized vehicles which
intersections, consult District Traffic may move through the intersection during separate
Operations. signal phases. Pedestrians may also have their own
signal phase. This requirement is of particular
Figure 403.6B depicts an intersection with a importance when traffic-actuated signal controls are
left-turn-only bicycle lane, which should be employed.
considered when bicycle left-turns are
common. A left-turn-only bicycle lane may be The California MUTCD has warrants for the
considered at any intersection and should placement of signals to control vehicular, bicycle
always be considered as a tool to provide and pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian activated devices,
mobility for bicyclists. Signing and signals or beacons are not required, but must be
delineation options for bicycle left-turn-only evaluated where directional, multilane, pedestrian
lanes are shown in the California MUTCD. crossings occur. These locations may include:
(2) Design of Intersections at Interchanges. The Mid-block street crossings;

design of at-grade intersections at interchanges Channelized turn lanes;
should be accomplished in a manner that will
minimize confusion of motorists, bicyclists, Ramp entries and exits; and
and pedestrians. Higher speed, uncontrolled Roundabouts.
entries and exits from freeway ramps should
not be used at the intersection of the ramps The evaluation, selection, programming and use of a
with the local road. The smallest curb return chosen device should be done with guidance from
radius should be used that accommodates the District Traffic Operations.
design vehicle. Intersections with interior 403.10 Installation of Traffic Control
angles close to 90 degrees reduce speeds at
Devices
conflict points between motorists, bicyclists,
and pedestrians. The intersection skew Channelization may provide locations for the
guidance in Index 403.3 applies to all ramp installation of essential traffic control devices, such
termini at the local road. as STOP and directional signs. See Index 405.4
for information about the design of traffic islands.
403.11 Summary
Give preference to the major move(s).
December 30, 2015
Reduce areas of conflict. 404.2 Design Considerations

Reduce the duration of conflicts. It may not be necessary to provide for design
vehicle turning movements at all intersections along
Cross traffic at right angles or skew no more the State route if the design vehicles route is
than 75 degrees. (90 degrees preferred.) restricted or it is not expected to use the cross street
Separate points of conflict. frequently. Discuss with Traffic Operations and the
local agency before a turning movement is not
Provide speed-change areas and separate turning provided. The goal is to minimize possible conflicts
lanes where appropriate. between vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and other
Provide adequate width to shadow turning users of the roadway, while providing the minimum
traffic. curb radii appropriate for the given situation.
Restrict undesirable moves with traffic islands. Both the tracking width and swept width should be
considered in the design of roadways for use of the
Coordinate channelization with effective signal roadway by design vehicles.
control.
Tracking width lines delineate the path of the
Install signs in traffic islands when necessary vehicle tires as the vehicle moves through the turn.
but avoid building conflicts one or more modes
of travel. Swept width lines delineate the path of the vehicle
body as the vehicle moves through the turn and will
Consider all users. therefore always exceed the tracking width. The
following list of criteria is to be used to determine
403.12 Other Considerations
whether the roadway can accommodate the design
An advantage of curbed islands is they can vehicle.
serve as pedestrian refuge. Where curbing is
(1) Traveled way.
appropriate, consideration should be given to
mountable curbs. See Topic 303 for more (a) To accommodate turn movements(e.g., at
guidance. intersections, driveways, alleys, etc.),the
travel way width and intersection design
Avoid complex intersections that present should be such that tracking width and
multiple choices of movement to the motorist swept width lines for the design vehicle do
and bicyclist. not cross into any portion of the lane for
Traffic safety should be considered. Collision opposing traffic. Encroachment into the
records provide a valuable guide to the type of shoulder and bike lane is permitted.
channelization needed. (b) Along the portion of roadway where there
are no turning options, vehicles are required
Topic 404 - Design Vehicles to stay within the lane lines. The tracking
404.1 General and swept widths lines for the design
vehicle shall stay within the lane as
Any vehicle, whether car, bus, truck, or recreational defined in Index 301.1 and Table 504.3A.
vehicle, while turning a curve, covers a wider path This includes no encroachment into Class II
than the width of the vehicle. The outer front tire bike lanes.
can generally follow a circular curve, but the inner
(2) Shoulders. Both tracking width and swept
rear tire will swing in toward the center of the curve.
width lines may encroach onto paved shoulders
Some terminology is vital to understanding the to accommodate turning. For design projects
engineering concepts related to design vehicles. See where the tracking width lines are shown to
Index 62.4 Interchanges and Intersection at Grade encroach onto paved shoulders, the shoulder
for terminology. pavement structure should be engineered to
sustain the weight of the design vehicle. See
Index 613 for general traffic loading
December 16, 2016
considerations and Index 626 for tied rigid accommodation to non-motorized users of the
shoulder guidance. At corners where no facility and appurtenances should be considered.
sidewalks are provided and pedestrians are
If both the tracking width and swept width lines
using the shoulder, a paved refuge area may be
meet the design guidance listed above, then the
provided outside the swept width of turning
geometry is adequate for that design vehicle.
vehicle.
Consideration should be given to pedestrian
(3) Curbs and Gutters. Tires may not mount curbs. crossing distance, motor vehicle speeds, truck
If curb and gutter are present and any portion of volumes, alignment, bicycle lane width, sight
the gutter pan is likewise encroached, the gutter distance, and the presence of on-street parking.
pan must be engineered to match the adjacent
Note that the STAA Design Vehicle has a template
shoulder pavement structure. See Index
with a 56-foot (minimum) and a 67-foot (longer)
613.5(2)(c) for gutter pan design guidance.
radius and the California Legal Design Vehicle has
(4) Edge of Pavement. To accommodate a turn, the a template with 50-foot (minimum) and 60-foot
swept width lines may cross the edge of (longer) radii. The longer radius templates are more
pavement provided there are no obstructions. conservative. The longer radius templates develop
The tracking width lines must remain on the less swept width and leave a margin of error for the
pavement structure, including the shoulder, truck driver. The longer radius templates should be
provided that the shoulder is designed to support used for conditions where the vehicle may not be
vehicular traffic. If truck volumes are high, required to stop before entering the intersection.
consideration of a wider shoulder is encouraged
The minimum radius template can be used if the
in order to preserve the pavement edge.
longer radius template does not clear all obstacles.
(5) Bicycle Lanes. Where bicycle lanes are The minimum radius templates demonstrate the
considered, the design guidance noted above tightest turn that the vehicles can navigate, assuming
applies. Vehicles are permitted to cross a a speed of less than 10 miles per hour.
bicycle lane to initiate or complete a turning
For offtracking lane width requirements on freeway
movement or for emergency parking on the
ramps, see Topic 504.
shoulder. See the California MUTCD for Class
II bike lane markings. 404.3 Design Tools
To accommodate turn movements (e.g., District Truck Managers should be consulted early
intersections, driveways, alleys, etc. are in the project to ensure compliance with the design
present), both tracking width and swept width vehicle guidance contained in Topic 404. Consult
lines may cross the broken white painted bicycle local agencies to verify the location of local truck
lane striping in advance of the right-turn, routes. Essentially, two options are available
entering the bicycle lane when clear to do so. templates or computer software.
(6) Sidewalks. Tracking width and swept width The turning templates in Figures 404.5A
lines must not encroach onto sidewalks or through G are a design aid for determining the
pedestrian refuge areas, without exception. swept width and/or tracking width of large
(7) Obstacles. Swept width lines may not encroach vehicles as they maneuver through a turn. The
upon obstacles including, but not limited to, templates can be used as overlays to evaluate
curbs, islands, sign structures, traffic the adequacy of the geometric layout of a curve
delineators/channelizers, traffic signals, lighting or intersection when reproduced on clear film
poles, guardrails, trees, cut slopes, and rock and scaled to match the highway drawings.
outcrops. These templates assume a vehicle speed of less
than 10 miles per hour.
(8) Appurtenances. Swept width lines do not
include side mirrors or other appurtenances Computer software such as AutoTURN or
allowed by the California Vehicle Code, thus, AutoTrak can draw the swept width and/or
tracking width along any design curve within a
CADD drawing program such as MicroStation
December 30, 2015
or AutoCAD. Dimensions taken from the (c) STAA Vehicle 53-Foot Trailer. Another
vehicle diagrams in Figures 404.5A through G category of vehicle allowed only on STAA
may be inputted into the computer program by routes has a maximum 53-foot trailer, a
creating a custom vehicle if the vehicle is not maximum 40-foot KPRA for two or more
already included in the software library. The axles, a maximum 38-foot KPRA for a
software can also create a vehicle turn template single axle, and unlimited overall length.
that conforms to any degree curve desired. This vehicle is not to be used as the design
vehicle as it is not the worst case for
404.4 Design Vehicles and Related offtracking due to its shorter KPRA. The
Definitions STAA Design Vehicle should be used
(1) The Surface Transportation Assistance Act of instead.
1982 (STAA). (2) California Legal.
(a) STAA Routes. STAA allows certain (a) California Legal Routes. Virtually all
longer trucks called STAA trucks to State routes off the STAA Network are
operate on the National Network. After California Legal routes. There are two
STAA was enacted, the Department types of California Legal routes, the
evaluated State routes for STAA truck regular California Legal routes and the
access and created Terminal Access and KPRA Advisory Routes. Advisory routes
Service Access routes which, together with have signs posted that state the maximum
the National Network, are called the STAA KPRA length that the route can
Network. Terminal Access routes allow accommodate without the vehicle
STAA access to terminals and facilities. offtracking outside the lane. KPRA
Service Access routes allow STAA trucks advisories range from 30 feet to 38 feet, in
one-mile access off the National Network, 2-foot increments. California Legal
but only at identified exits and only for vehicles are allowed to use both types of
designated services. Service Access routes California Legal routes. California Legal
are primarily local roads. A Truck Route vehicles can also use the STAA Network.
Map, indicating the National Network However, STAA trucks are not allowed on
routes and the Terminal Access routes is any California Legal routes. The Truck
posted on the Departments Office of Route Map indicating the California Legal
Commercial Vehicle Operations website routes is posted on the Departments
and is also available in printed form. Office of Commercial Vehicle Operations
(b) STAA Design Vehicle. The STAA design website.
vehicle is a truck tractor-semitrailer (b) California Legal Design Vehicle. The
combination with a 48-foot semitrailer, a California Legal vehicle is a truck tractor-
43-foot kingpin-to-rear-axle (KPRA) semitrailer with the following dimensions:
distance, an 8.5-foot body and axle width, the maximum overall length is 65 feet; the
and a 23-foot truck tractor wheelbase. maximum KPRA distance is 40 feet for
Note, a truck tractor is a non-load-carrying semitrailers with two or more axles, and
vehicle. There is also a STAA double 38 feet for semitrailers with a single axle;
(truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer); however, the maximum width is 8.5 feet. There are
the double is not used as the design vehicle also two categories of California Legal
due to its shorter turning radius. The doubles (truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer);
STAA Design Vehicle is shown in Figures however, the doubles are not used as the
404.5A and B. design vehicle due to their shorter turning
The STAA Design Vehicle in Figures radii. The California Legal Design Vehicle
404.5A or B should be used on the is shown in Figures 404.5C and D.
National Network, Terminal Access, The California Legal Design Vehicle in
California Legal, and Advisory routes. Figures 404.5C and D should only be used
December 16, 2016
when the STAA design vehicle is not used on a State highway. It may be used
feasible and with concurrence from the where the State highway intersects local
District Truck Manager. streets without commercial or industrial
traffic.
(3) 40-Foot Bus.
The 45-Foot Bus and Motorhome Design
(a) 40-Foot Bus Routes. All single-unit
Vehicle shown in Figure 404.5F should be
vehicles, including buses and motor trucks
used in the design of all interchanges and
up to 40 feet in length, are allowed on
intersections on all green routes indicated
virtually every route in California.
on the Bus and Motorhome Map for both
(b) 40-Foot Bus Design Vehicle. The 40-Foot new construction and rehabilitation
Bus Design Vehicle shown in Figure projects. Check also the longer standard
404.5E is an AASHTO standard. Its design vehicles on these routes as required
25-foot wheelbase and 40-foot length are the STAA Design Vehicle and the
typical of city transit buses and some California Legal Design Vehicle in Indexes
intercity buses. At intersections where 404.4(1) and (2).
truck volumes are light or where the
(5) 60-Foot Articulated Bus.
predominate truck traffic consists of
mostly 3-axle units, the 40-foot bus may be (a) 60-Foot Articulated Bus Routes. The
used. Its wheel path sweeps a greater articulated bus is allowed a length of up to
width than 3-axle delivery trucks, as well 60 feet per CVC 35400(b)(3)(A). This bus
as smaller buses such as school buses. is used primarily by local transit agencies
for public transportation. There is no
(4) 45-Foot Bus & Motorhome.
master listing of such routes. Local transit
(a) 45-Foot Bus & Motorhome Routes. The agencies should be contacted to determine
45-foot bus and motorhome refers to bus possible routes within the proposed
and motorhomes over 40 feet in length, up project.
to and including 45 feet in length. These
(b) 60-Foot Articulated Bus Design Vehicle.
longer buses and motorhomes are allowed
The 60-Foot Articulated Bus Design
in California, but only on certain routes.
Vehicle shown in Figure 404.5G is an
The 45-foot tour bus became legal on the AASHTO standard. The routes served by
National Network in 1991 and later these buses should be designed to
allowed on some State routes in 1995. The accommodate the 60-Foot Articulated Bus
45-foot motorhome became legal in Design Vehicle.
California in 2001, but only on those
routes where the 45-foot bus was already 404.5 Turning Templates & Vehicle
allowed. A Bus and Motorhome Map Diagrams
indicating where these longer buses and Figures 404.5A through G are computer-generated
motorhomes are allowed and where they turning templates at an approximate scale of 1"=50'
are not allowed is posted on the and their associated vehicle diagrams for the design
Departments Office of Commercial vehicles described in Index 404.3. The radius of the
Vehicle Operations website. template is measured to the outside front wheel path
(b) 45-Foot Bus and Motorhome Design at the beginning of the curve. Figures 404.5A
Vehicle. The 45-Foot Bus & Motorhome through G contain the terms defined as follows:
Design Vehicle shown in Figure 404.5F is (1) Tractor Width - Width of tractor body.
used by Caltrans for the longest allowable
bus and motorhome. Its wheelbase is (2) Trailer Width - Width of semitrailer body.
28.5 feet. It is also similar to the (3) Tractor Track - Tractor axle width, measured
AASHTO standard 45-foot bus. Typically from outside face of tires.
this should be the smallest design vehicle
December 16, 2016
(4) Trailer Track Semitrailer axle width, sight distance to the lane nearest to and
measured from outside face of tires. farthest from the waiting vehicle, adequate
time should be obtained to make the
(5) Lock To Lock Time - The time in seconds that
necessary movement. On multilane
an average driver would take under normal
highways a 7-1/2 second criterion for the
driving conditions to turn the steering wheel of
outside lane, in both directions of travel,
a vehicle from the lock position on one side to
normally will provide increased sight
the lock position on the other side. The default
distance to the inside lanes. Consideration
in AutoTurn software is 6 seconds.
should be given to increasing these values
(6) Steering Lock Angle - The maximum angle that on downgrades steeper than 3 percent and
the steering wheels can be turned. It is further longer than 1 mile (see Index 201.3),
defined as the average of the maximum angles where there are high truck volumes on the
made by the left and right steering wheels with crossroad, or where the skew of the
the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. intersection substantially increases the
(7) Articulating Angle - The maximum angle distance traveled by the crossing vehicle.
between the tractor and semitrailer. In determining corner sight distance, a set
back distance for the vehicle waiting at the
Topic 405 - Intersection Design crossroad must be assumed. Set back for
Standards the driver of the vehicle on the crossroad
shall be a minimum of 10 feet plus the
405.1 Sight Distance shoulder width of the major road but
not less than 15 feet. Line of sight for
(1) Stopping Sight Distance. See Index 201.1 for
corner sight distance is to be determined
minimum stopping sight distance requirements.
from a 3 and 1/2-foot height at the location
(2) Corner Sight Distance. of the driver of the vehicle on the minor
(a) General--At unsignalized intersections a road to a 4 and 1/4-foot object height in the
center of the approaching lane of the major
substantially clear line of sight should be
maintained between the driver of a vehicle, road as illustrated in Figure 504.3I. If the
bicyclist or pedestrian waiting at the major road has a median barrier, a 2-foot
crossroad and the driver of an approaching object height should be used to determine
vehicle. Line of sight for all users should the median barrier set back.
be included in right of way, in order to In some cases the cost to obtain
preserve sight lines. 7-1/2 seconds of corner sight distances
Adequate time must be provided for the may be excessive. High costs may be
waiting user to either cross all lanes of attributable to right of way acquisition,
through traffic, cross the near lanes and building removal, extensive excavation, or
turn left, or turn right, without requiring immitigable environmental impacts. In
through traffic to radically alter their such cases a lesser value of corner sight
speed. distance, as described under the following
headings, may be used.
The values given in Table 405.1A provide
7-1/2 seconds for the driver on the (b) Public Road Intersections (Refer to
crossroad to complete the necessary Topic 205)--At unsignalized public road
maneuver while the approaching vehicle intersections (see Index 405.7) corner sight
travels at the assumed design speed of the distance values given in Table 405.1A
main highway. The 7-1/2 second criterion should be provided.
is normally applied to all lanes of through
traffic in order to cover all possible
maneuvers by the vehicle at the crossroad.
However, by providing the standard corner
May 7, 2012
Figure 404.5A
STAA Design Vehicle
56-Foot Radius
May 7, 2012
Figure 404.5B
STAA Design Vehicle
67-Foot Radius
May 7, 2012
Figure 404.5C
California Legal Design Vehicle
50-Foot Radius
May 7, 2012
Figure 404.5D
California Legal Design Vehicle
60-Foot Radius
May 7, 2012
Figure 404.5E
40-Foot Bus Design Vehicle
May 7, 2012
Figure 404.5F
45-Foot Bus & Motorhome Design Vehicle
May 7, 2012
Figure 404.5G
60-Foot Articulated Bus Design Vehicle
December 30, 2015
At signalized intersections the values for given in Table 201.7 should be used. In
corner sight distances given in computing and measuring decision sight
Table 405.1A should also be applied distance, the 3.5-foot eye height and the
whenever possible. Even though traffic 0.5-foot object height should be used, the
flows are designed to move at separate object being located on the side of the
times, unanticipated conflicts can occur intersection nearest the approaching driver.
due to violation of signal, right turns on
The application of the various sight distance
red, malfunction of the signal, or use of
requirements for the different types of
flashing red/yellow mode.
intersections is summarized in Table 405.1B.
Table 405.1A Table 405.1B
Corner Sight Distance Application of Sight Distance
(7-1/2 Second Criteria) Requirements
Design Speed Corner Sight
Intersection Sight Distance
(mph) Distance (ft)
Types Stopping Corner Decision
25 275 (1)
30 330 Private Roads X X
35 385
40 440 Public Streets and X X
45 495 Roads
50 550 Signalized X (2)
55 605
Intersections
60 660
65 715 State Route Inter- X X X
70 770 sections & Route
Direction
Changes, with or
Where restrictive conditions exist,
without Signals
similar to those listed in
Index 405.1(2)(a), the minimum value NOTES:
for corner sight distance at both
(1) Per Index 405.1(2)(c), the minimum corner sight
signalized and unsignalized intersections distance shall be equal to the stopping sight
shall be equal to the stopping sight distance as given in Table 201.1. See Index
distance as given in Table 201.1, 405.1(2)(a) for setback requirements.
measured as previously described. (2) Apply corner sight distance requirements at
(c) Private Road Intersections (Refer to signalized intersections whenever possible due to
unanticipated violations of the signals or
Index 205.2) and Rural Driveways (Refer malfunctions of the signals. See Index
to Index 205.4)--The minimum corner 405.1(2)(b).
sight distance shall be equal to the
stopping sight distance as given in
Table 201.1, measured as previously (4) Acceleration Lanes for Turning Moves onto
described. State Highways. At rural intersections, with
(d) Urban Driveways (Refer to Index 205.3)-- STOP control on the local cross road,
Corner sight distance requirements as acceleration lanes for left and right turns onto
described above are not applied to urban the State facility should be considered. At a
driveways. minimum, the following features should be
evaluated for both the major highway and the
(3) Decision Sight Distance. At intersections cross road:
where the State route turns or crosses another
State route, the decision sight distance values divided versus undivided
December 30, 2015
number of lanes (b) Approach Taper -- On conventional

highways without a median, an approach
design speed taper provides space for a left-turn lane by
gradient moving traffic laterally to the right. The
approach taper is unnecessary where a
lane, shoulder and median width median is available for the full width of the
traffic volume and composition of highway left-turn lane. Length of the approach
users, including trucks and transit vehicles taper is given by the formula on
Figures 405.2A, B and C.
turning volumes
Figure 405.2A shows a standard left-turn
horizontal curve radii channelization design in which all
sight distance widening is to the right of approaching
traffic and the deceleration lane (see
proximity of adjacent intersections below) begins at the end of the approach
types of adjacent intersections taper. This design should be used in all
situations where space is available, usually
For additional information and guidance, refer in rural and semi-rural areas or in urban
to AASHTO, A Policy on Geometric Design of areas with high traffic speeds and/or
Highways and Streets, the Headquarters Traffic volumes.
Liaison, the District Design Liaison, and the
Project Delivery Coordinator. Figures 405.2B and 405.2C show alternate
designs foreshortened with the deceleration
405.2 Left-turn Channelization lane beginning at the 2/3 point of the
approach taper so that part of the
(1) General. The purpose of a left-turn lane is to
deceleration takes place in the through
expedite the movement of through traffic by,
traffic lane. Figure 405.2C is shortened
controlling the movement of turning traffic,
further by widening half (or other
increasing the capacity of the intersection, and
appropriate fraction) on each side. These
improving safety characteristics.
designs may be used in urban areas where
The District Traffic Branch normally constraints exist, speeds are moderate and
establishes the need for left-turn lanes. traffic volumes are relatively low.
(2) Design Elements. (c) Bay Taper -- A reversing curve along the
(a) Lane Width The lane width for both left edge of the traveled way directs traffic
single and double left-turn lanes on into the left-turn lane. The length of this
State highways shall be 12 feet. bay taper should be short to clearly delin-
eate the left-turn move and to discourage
For conventional State highways with through traffic from drifting into the left-
posted speeds less than or equal to turn lane. Table 405.2A gives offset data
40 miles per hour and AADTT (truck for design of bay tapers. In urban areas,
volume) less than 250 per lane that are lengths of 60 feet and 90 feet are normally
in urban, city or town centers (rural used. Where space is restricted and speeds
main streets), the minimum lane width are low, a 60-foot bay taper is appropriate.
shall be 11 feet. On rural high-speed highways, a 120-foot
When considering lane width reductions length is considered appropriate.
adjacent to curbed medians, refer to Index (d) Deceleration Lane Length -- Design speed
303.5 for guidance on effective roadway of the roadway approaching the
width, which may vary depending on intersection should be the basis for
drivers lateral positioning and shy determining deceleration lane length. It is
distance from raised curbs. desirable that deceleration take place
entirely off the through traffic lanes.
December 30, 2015
Deceleration lane lengths are given in

Table 405.2B; the bay taper length is
Table 405.2A
included. Where partial deceleration is Bay Taper for Median
permitted on the through lanes, as in Speed-change Lanes
Figures 405.2B and 405.2C, design speeds
in Table 405.2B may be reduced
10 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour for
a lower entry speed. In urban areas where
cross streets are closely spaced and
deceleration lengths cannot be achieved,
the District Traffic branch should be
consulted for guidance.
(e) Storage Length -- At unsignalized inter-
sections, storage length may be based on
the number of turning vehicles likely to
arrive in an average 2-minute period
during the peak hour. At a minimum,
space for 2 vehicles should be provided at
25 feet per vehicle. If the peak hour truck
traffic is 10 percent or more, space for at
least one passenger car and one truck
should be provided. Bus usage may
require a longer storage length and should
be evaluated if their use is anticipated.
At signalized intersections, the storage
length may be based on one and one-half
to two times the average number of
vehicles that would store per signal cycle NOTES:
depending on cycle length, signal phasing, (1) The table gives offsets from a base line parallel to
and arrival and departure rates. At a the edge of traveled way at intervals measured from
minimum, storage length should be point "A". Add "E" for measurements from edge of
calculated in the same manner as traveled way.
unsignalized intersection. The District (2) Where edge of traveled way is a curve, neither base
Traffic Branch should be consulted for this line nor taper between B & C will be a tangent. Use
information. proportional offsets from B to C.
(3) The offset "E" is usually 2 ft along edge of traveled
When determining storage length, the end way for curbed medians; Use "E" = 0 ft. for striped
of the left-turn lane is typically placed at medians.
least 3 feet, but not more than 30 feet, from
the nearest edge of shoulder of the Table 405.2B
intersecting roadway. Although often set Deceleration Lane Length
by the placement of a crosswalk line or
limit line, the end of the storage lane Design Speed Length to
should always be located so that the (mph) Stop (ft)
appropriate turning template can be 30 235
accommodated. 40 315
50 435
60 530
December 30, 2015
(3) Double Left-turn Lanes. At signalized High volumes of right-turning traffic

intersections on multilane conventional causing backup and delay on the through
highways and on multilane ramp terminals, lanes.
double left-turn lanes should be considered if
the left-turn demand is 300 vehicles per hour or Conflicts between crossing pedestrians and
more. The lane widths and other design right-turning vehicles and bicycles.
elements of left-turn lanes given under Frequent rear-end and sideswipe collisions
Index 405.2(2) applies to double as well as involving right-turning vehicles.
single left-turn lanes.
Where right-turn channelization is proposed,
The design of double left-turn lanes can be lower speed right-turn lanes should be
accomplished by adding one or two lanes in the provided to reduce the likelihood of conflicts
median. See "Guidelines for Reconstruction of between vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Intersections", published by Headquarters,
Division of Traffic Operations, for the various (2) Design Elements.
treatments of double left-turn lanes. (a) Lane and Shoulder Width--Index 301.1
(4) Two-way Left-turn Lane (TWLTL). The shall be used for right-turn lane width
TWLTL consists of a striped lane in the requirements. Shoulder width shall be a
median of an arterial and is devised to address minimum of 4 feet. Although not
the special capacity and safety problems desirable, lane and shoulder widths less
associated with high-density strip develop- than those given above can be considered
ment. It can be used on 2-lane highways as for right-turn lanes under the following
well as multilane highways. Normally, the conditions pursuant to Index 82.2:
District Traffic Operations Branch should In urban, city or town centers (rural
determine the need for a TWLTL. main streets) with posted speeds less
The minimum width for a TWLTL shall be than 40 miles per hour in severely
12 feet (see Index 301.1). The preferred width constrained situations, if truck or bus
is 14 feet. Wider TWLTL's are occasionally use is low, consideration may be given
provided to conform with local agency to reducing the right-turn lane width to
standards. However, TWLTL's wider than 10 feet.
14 feet are not recommended, and in no case Shoulder widths may also be
should the width of a TWLTL exceed 16 feet. considered for reduction under
Additional width may encourage drivers in constricted situations. Whenever
opposite directions to use the TWLTL possible, at least a 2-foot shoulder
simultaneously. should be provided where the right-
405.3 Right-turn Channelization turn lane is adjacent to a curb. Entire
omission of the shoulder should only
(1) General. For right-turning traffic, delays are be considered in constrained situations
less critical and conflicts less severe than for and where an 11-foot lane can be
left-turning traffic. Nevertheless, right-turn constructed.
lanes can be justified on the basis of capacity,
analysis, and crash experience. Gutter pans can be included within a
shoulder, but cannot be included as
In rural areas a history of high speed rear-end part of the travel lane width.
collisions may warrant the addition of a right- Additional right of way for a future
turn lane. right-turn lane should be considered
In urban areas other factors may contribute to when an intersection is being designed.
the need such as:
May 7, 2012
Figure 405.2A
Standard Left-turn Channelization
July 1, 2015
Figure 405.2B
Minimum Median Left-turn Channelization
(Widening on one Side of Highway)
May 7, 2012
Figure 405.2C
Minimum Median Left-turn Channelization
(Widening on Both Sides in Urban Areas with Short Blocks)
December 30, 2015
(b) Curve Radius--Where pedestrians are right-turns create sight distance issues for
allowed to cross a free right-turning pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the off-
roadway, the curve radius should be such ramp, or pedestrians crossing the local road.
that the operating speed of vehicular traffic Also, rear-end collisions can occur as right-
is no more than 20 miles per hour at the turning drivers slow down or stop waiting for a
pedestrian crossing. See NCHRP Report gap in local street traffic. Free right-turns
672, Roundabouts: An Informational usually end up with YIELD, STOP, or
Guide for guidance on the determination signal controls thus defeating their purpose of
of design speed (fastest path) for turning increasing intersection capacity.
vehicles. See Index 504.3(3) for additional
information.
405.4 Traffic Islands
(c) Tapers--Approach tapers are usually un- A traffic island is an area between traffic lanes for
necessary since main line traffic need not channelization of bicycle and vehicle movements or
be shifted laterally to provide space for the for pedestrian refuge. An island may be defined by
right-turn lane. If, in some rare instances, a paint, raised pavement markers, curbs, pavement
lateral shift were needed, the approach edge, or other devices. The California MUTCD
taper would use the same formula as for a should be referenced when considering the
left-turn lane. placement of traffic islands at signalized and
unsignalized locations. For splitter island guidance
Bay tapers are treated as a mirror image of at roundabouts, see Index 405.10(13).
the left-turn bay taper.
Traffic islands usually serve more than one function.
(d) Deceleration Lane Length--The conditions These functions may be:
and principles of left-turn lane deceleration
apply to right-turn deceleration. Where full (a) Channelization to confine specific traffic
deceleration is desired off the high-speed movements into definite channels;
through lanes, the lengths in Table 405.2B (b) Divisional to separate traffic moving in the
should be used. Where partial deceleration same or opposite direction; and
is permitted on the through lanes because
(c) Refuge, to aid users crossing the roadway.
of limited right of way or other constraints,
average running speeds in Table 405.2B Generally, islands should present the least potential
may be reduced 10 miles per hour to conflict to approaching or crossing bicycles and
20 miles per hour for a lower entry speed. vehicles, and yet perform their intended function.
For example, if the main line speed is
(1) Design of Traffic Islands. Island sizes and
50 miles per hour and a 10 miles per hour
shapes vary from one intersection to another.
deceleration is permitted on the through
They should be large enough to command
lanes, the deceleration length may be that
attention. Channelizing islands should not be
required for 40 miles per hour.
less than 50 square feet in area, preferably
(e) Storage Length--Right-turn storage length 75 square feet. Curbed, elongated divisional
is determined in the same manner as left- median islands should not be less than 4 feet
turn storage length. See Index 405.2(2)(e). wide and 20 feet long. All traffic islands placed
in the path of a pedestrian crossing must
(3) Right-turn Lanes at Off-ramp Intersections.
comply with DIB 82. See the Standard Plans
Diamond off-ramps with a free right-turn at the
for typical island passageway details.
local street and separate right-turn off-ramps
around the outside of a loop will likely cause The approach end of each island should be
conflict as traffic volumes increase. Serious offset 3 feet to the left and 5 feet to the right of
conflicts occur when the right-turning vehicle approaching traffic, using standard 1:15
must weave across multiple lanes on the local parabolic flares, and clearly delineated so that
street in order to turn left at a major cross street it does not surprise the motorist or bicyclist.
close to the ramp terminal. Furthermore, free These offsets are in addition to the shoulder
December 30, 2015
widths shown in Table 302.1. Table 405.4 so slower pedestrians can wait for a gap in
gives standard parabolic flares to be used in traffic while reducing total crossing distance.
island design. On curved alignment, parabolic
At unsignalized intersections in rural city/town
flares may be omitted for small triangular
centers (rural main streets), suburban, or urban
traffic islands whose sides are less than 25 feet
areas, a pedestrian refuge should be provided
long.
between opposing traffic where pedestrians are
The approach nose of a divisional island allowed to cross 2 or more through traffic lanes
should be highly visible day and night with in one direction of travel, at marked or
appropriate use of signs (reflectorized or unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrian islands at
illuminated) and object markers. The approach signalized crosswalks should be considered,
nose should be offset 3 feet from the through taking into account crossing distance and
traffic to minimize accidental impacts. pedestrian activity. Note that signalized
pedestrian crossings must be timed to allow for
(2) Delineation of Traffic Islands. Generally,
pedestrians to cross. See the California
islands should present the least potential
MUTCD, Chapter 4E, for further guidance.
conflict to approaching traffic and yet perform
their intended function. See Index 303.2 for Traffic islands used as pedestrian refuge are to
appropriate curb type. Islands may be be large enough to provide a minimum of
designated as follows: 6 feet in the direction of pedestrian travel,
without exception.
(a) Raised paved areas outlined by curbs.
All traffic islands placed in the path of a
(b) Flush paved areas outlined by pavement
pedestrian crossing must be accessible, refer to
markings.
DIB 82 and the Standard Plans for further
(c) Unpaved areas (small unpaved areas guidance. An example of a traffic island that
should be avoided). serves as a pedestrian refuge is shown on
On facilities with posted speeds over 40 miles Figure 405.4.
per hour, the use of any type of curb is 405.5 Median Openings
discouraged. Where curbs are to be used, they
should be located at or outside of the shoulder (1) General. Median openings, sometimes called
edge, as discussed in Index 303.5. crossovers, provide for crossings of the median
at designated locations. Except for emergency
In rural areas, painted channelization sup- passageways in a median barrier, median
plemented with raised pavement markers may openings are not allowed on urban freeways.
be more appropriate than a raised curbed
channelization. This design is as forgiving as Median openings on expressways or divided
possible and decreases the consequence of a conventional highways should not be curbed
driver's or bicyclists failure to detect or except when the median between openings is
recognize the curbed island. Consideration for curbed, or it is necessary for delineation of
snow removal operations should be determined traffic signal standards and other necessary
where appropriate. hardware, or for protection of pedestrians. In
these special cases B4 curbs should be used.
In urban areas, posted speeds less than or equal An example of a median opening design is
to 40 miles per hour allow more frequent use shown on Figure 405.5.
of curbed islands. Local agency requirements
and matching existing conditions are factors to (2) Spacing and Location. By a combination of
consider. interchange ramps and emergency
passageways, provisions for access to the
(3) Pedestrian Refuge opposite side of a freeway may be provided for
Pedestrian refuge islands allow pedestrians to law enforcement, emergency, and maintenance
cross fewer lanes at a time while judging vehicles to avoid extreme out-of-direction
conflicts separately. They also provide a refuge travel. Access should not be more frequent
May 7, 2012
Table 405.4
Parabolic Curb Flares Commonly Used
OFFSET IN FEET FOR GIVEN "X" DISTANCE

Distance
L X 10 15 20 25 30 40 45 50 60 70 75 80 90 100 110 120
Length
of Flare
1:5 FLARES
25 00.80 1.80 3.20 5.00
50 00.40 1.60 3.60 6.40 10.00
1:10 FLARES
50 00.20 0.80 1.80 3.20 5.00
100 0.10 0.40 0.90 1.60 2.50 3.60 4.90 6.40 8.10 10.00
1:15 FLARES
45 00.15 0.59 1.33 2.37 3.00
75 00.09 0.36 0.80 1.42 2.22 3.20 4.36 5.00
90 0.07 0.30 0.67 1.19 1.85 2.67 3.63 4.74 6.00
120 00.06 0.22 0.50 0.89 1.39 2.00 2.72 3.56 4.50 5.56 6.72 8.00
December 30, 2015
important factor in designing median openings

Figure 405.4 is the path of the design vehicle making a
minimum left turn at 5 miles per hour to
Pedestrian Refuge Island 10 miles per hour. The length of median
opening varies with width of median and
angle of intersecting road.
Usually a median opening of 60 feet is
adequate for 90 degree intersections with
median widths of 22 feet or greater. When the
median width is less than 22 feet, a median
opening of 70 feet is needed. When the
intersection angle is other than 90 degrees, the
length of median opening should be
established by using truck turn templates (see
Index 404.3).
(4) Cross Slope. The cross slope in the median
opening should be limited to 5 percent.
Crossovers on curves with super elevation
exceeding 5 percent should be avoided. This
cross slope may be exceeded when an existing
2-lane roadbed is converted to a 4-lane
divided highway. The elevation of the new
construction should be based on the 5 percent
cross slope requirement when the existing
roadbed is raised to its ultimate elevation.
(5) References. For information related to the
design of intersections and median openings,
"A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways
and Streets," AASHTO, should be consulted.
405.6 Access Control
than at three-mile intervals. See Chapter 7 of
the Traffic Manual for additional information The basic guidance which govern the extent to
on the design of emergency passageways. which access rights are to be acquired at
interchanges (see Topic 104, Index 205.1 and 504.8
Emergency passageways should be located
and the PDPM) also apply to intersections at grade
only where decision sight distance is available
on expressways. Cases of access control which
(see Table 201.7).
frequently occur at intersections are shown in
Median openings at close intervals on other Figure 405.7. This illustration does not presume to
types of highways create conflicts with high cover all situations. Where required by traffic
speed through traffic. Median openings should conditions, access should be extended in order to
be spaced at intervals no closer than 1600 feet. ensure proper operation of the expressway lanes.
If a median opening falls within 300 feet of an Reasonable variations which observe the basic
access opening, it should be placed opposite principles referred to above are acceptable.
the access opening.
However, negative impacts on the mobility needs
(3) Length of Median Opening. For any three or of pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, and transit
four-leg intersection on a divided highway, users need to be assessed. Pedestrians and
the length of the median opening should be at bicyclists are sensitive to additional out of direction
least as great as the width of the crossroads travel.
pavement, median width, and shoulders. An
May 7, 2012
Figure 405.5
Typical Design for Median Openings

December 30, 2015
405.7 Public Road Intersections be accommodated and the mobility needs of

pedestrians and bicyclists, taking into consideration
The basic design to be used at right-angle public the amount of available right of way, the types of
road intersections on the State Highway System is adjoining land uses, the place types, the roadway
shown in Figure 405.7. The essential elements are width, and the number of lanes on the intersecting
sight distance (see Index 405.1) and the treatment street.
of the right-turn on and off the main highway.
Encroachment into opposing traffic lanes by the At urban intersections, the California truck or the
turning vehicle should be avoided or minimized. Bus Design Vehicle template may be used to
determine the corner radius. Where STAA truck
(1) Right-turn Onto the Main Highway. The access is allowed, the STAA Design Vehicle
combination of a circular curve joined by a template should be used giving consideration to
2:1 taper on the crossroads and a 75-foot taper factors mentioned above. See Index 404.3.
on the main highway is designed to fit the
wheel paths of the appropriate turning Smaller radii of 15 feet to 25 feet are appropriate at
template chosen by the designer. minor cross streets where few trucks or buses are
turning. Local agency standards may be appropriate
It is desirable to keep the right-turn as tight as in urban and suburban areas.
practical, so the STOP or YIELD sign on
the minor leg can be placed close to the inter- Encroachment into opposing traffic lanes must be
section. avoided.
(2) Right-turn Off the Main Highway. The 405.9 Widening of 2-lane Roads at
combination of a circular curve joined by a Signalized Intersections
150-foot taper on the main highway and a
4:1 taper on the crossroads is designed to fit Two-lane State highways may be widened at
the wheel paths of the appropriate turning intersections to 4-lanes whenever signals are
template and to move the rear of the vehicle installed. Sometimes it may be necessary to widen
off the main highway. Deceleration and the intersecting road. The minimum design is
storage lanes may be provided when necessary shown in Figure 405.9. More elaborate treatment
(see Index 405.3). may be warranted by the volume and pattern of
traffic movements. Unusual turning movement
(3) Alternate Designs. Offsets are given in Figure patterns may possibly call for a different shape of
405.7 for right angle intersections. For skew widening.
angles, roadway curvature, and possibly other
reasons, variations to the right-angle design The impact on pedestrian and bicycle traffic
are permitted, but the basic rule is still to mobility of larger intersections should be assessed
approximate the wheel paths of the design before a decision is made to widen an intersection.
vehicle. 405.10 Roundabouts
A three-center curve is an alternate treatment Roundabout intersections on the State highway
that may be used at the discretion of the system must be developed and evaluated in
designer. accordance with National Cooperative Highway
Intersections are major consideration in Research Program (NCHRP) Report 672 entitled
bicycle path design as well. See Indexes 403.6 Roundabouts: An Informational Guide, 2nd ed.
and 1003.1(4) for general bicycle path (NCHRP Guide 2) dated October 2010 and Traffic
intersection design guidance. Also see Section Operations Policy Directive (TOPD) Number
5.3 of the AASHTO Guide for the Planning, 13-02. Also see Index 401.5 for general
Design, and Operation of Bicycle Facilities. information and guidance. See Figure 405.10
Roundabout Geometric Elements for nomenclature
405.8 City Street Returns and Corner Radii associated with roundabouts. Signs, striping and
The pavement width and corner radius at city street markings at roundabouts are to comply with the
intersections is determined by the type of vehicle to California MUTCD.
May 7, 2012
Figure 405.7
Public Road Intersections
March 7, 2014
Figure 405.9
Widening of Two-lane Roads at Signalized Intersections
December 16, 2016
A roundabout is a form of circular intersection in Index 103.2. If a second lane is not needed
which traffic travels counterclockwise around a until 10 or more years, it may be better to
central island and entering traffic must yield to the phase the improvements. Construct the first
circulating traffic. Roundabouts feature, among phase of the roundabout so at the 20-year
other things, a central island, a circulatory roadway, design period, an additional lane can be easily
and splitter islands on each approach. Roundabouts added. In order to comply with the 10-year
rely upon two basic and important operating design period guidance provided in
principles: Index 103.2, the initial project must provide
the right of way needed for utility relocations,
(a) Speed reduction at the entry and through the
a shared-use path designed for a Class I
intersection will be achieved through geometric
Bikeway, and all other features other than
design and,
pavement, lighting, and striping in their
(b) The yield-at-entry rule, which requires traffic ultimate locations.
entering the intersection to yield to traffic that
In some locations, it may not be practical to
is traveling in the circulatory roadway.
build a single lane roundabout that will
Benefits of roundabouts are: operate for 10 years. Geometric constraints
and other conflicts may preclude widening to
Fewer conflict points typically result in fewer
the ultimate configuration. In such cases,
collisions with less severity. Over half of
other intersection configurations or control
vehicle to vehicle points of conflict associated
strategies addressed in Index 401.5 may need
with intersections are eliminated with the use
to be considered.
of a roundabout. Additionally, a roundabout
separates the points of conflict which eases the When staging improvements, see NCHRP
ability of the users to identify a conflict and Guide 2, Section 6.12.
helps prevent conflicts from becoming
(2) Design Vehicles - See Topic 404.
collisions.
The turning path for the design vehicle, see
Roundabouts are designed to reduce the Index 404.5, dictates many of the roundabout
vehicular speeds at intersections. Lower speeds dimensions. The design vehicle tracking and
lessens the vehicular collision severity. swept width are to be used when designing all
Likewise, studies indicate that pedestrian and the entries and exits, where design vehicles
bicyclist collisions with motorized vehicles at are unrestricted (see Index 404.2), and the
lower speeds significantly reduce their severity. circulatory roadway. The percentage of trucks
Roundabouts allow continuous free flow of and their lane utilization is an important
vehicles and bicycles when no conflicts exist. consideration on multilane roundabouts when
This results in less noise and air pollution and determining if the design will allow trucks to
reduces overall delays at roundabout stay within their own lane or encroach into the
intersections. adjacent lane. If permit vehicles larger than
the design vehicle occasionally use the
Except as indicated in this Index, the standards proposed roundabout, they can be
elsewhere in this manual do not apply to accommodated by having removable signs or
roundabouts. For the application of design other removable features in the central island
standards, the approach ends of the splitter islands or around the circular path to ensure their
define the boundary of a roundabout intersection, swept path can negotiate the roundabout.
see Figure 405.10. The design standards elsewhere Roundabouts should not be overdesigned for
in this manual apply to the approach legs beyond the occasional permit vehicle.
the approach ends of the splitter islands.
To accurately simulate the design vehicle
(1) Design Period. swept width traveling through a roundabout,
First consider the design of a single lane the minimum speed of the design vehicle used
roundabout per the design period guidance in in computer simulation software (e.g., Auto
December 16, 2016
TURN) should be 10 miles per hour through single-unit delivery vehicles are also to be
the roundabout. able to navigate the roundabout without using
the truck apron, if one is present.
(3) Inscribed Circle Diameter.
The inscribed diameter ranges given above are
At single lane roundabouts, the size of the
typical values, design may be larger or
inscribed circle is largely dependent upon the
smaller. Site location constraints and
turning requirements of the design vehicle.
performance checks will determine if the
The inscribed circle diameter (ICD) must be
diameter is appropriate for the location.
large enough to accommodate: (a) the STAA
design vehicle for all roundabouts on the (4) Entry Speeds.
National Network and on Terminal Access
Lowering the speed of vehicles entering and
routes; and, (b) the California Legal design
traveling through the roundabout is a primary
vehicle on all non-STAA route intersections
design objective that is achieved by approach
on California Legal routes and California
alignment and entry geometry.
Legal KPRA Advisory routes, while
maintaining adequate deflection curvature to The following entry speeds should not be
ensure appropriate travel speeds for smaller exceeded:
vehicles. The design vehicle is to navigate the
Single lane entry, 25 miles per hour.
roundabout with the front tractor wheels off
the truck apron, if one is present. Transit Multilane entry, 30 miles per hour.
vehicles, fire engines and single-unit delivery
A bypass lane is not included in the number of
vehicles are also to be able to navigate the
entry lanes. A bypass prohibits entry into the
roundabout without using the truck apron, if
circulatory roadway.
one is present. The inscribed circle diameter
for a single lane roundabout generally ranges Entry speeds are to be determined through
between 105 feet to 150 feet to accommodate fastest path analysis. Fastest path is the
the California Legal design vehicle and smoothest, flattest path possible for a single
130 feet to 180 feet to accommodate the vehicle in the absence of other traffic and
STAA design vehicle. ignoring all lane markings. The fastest path
analysis should begin at least 165 feet from
At multilane roundabouts, the inscribed circle
the inscribed circle diameter and should not
diameter is to achieve adequate alignment of
bring the path closer than 3 feet from a stripe
the natural vehicle path while maintaining
nor 5 feet from the face of a curb. These
deflection curvature to ensure appropriate
distances are minimums and the fastest path
travel speeds. To achieve both of these design
may occur further away from the curbs and
objectives requires a slightly larger diameter
striping depending on the roundabout
than used for a single lane roundabout. The
configuration. For fastest path evaluation, see
inscribed circle diameter for a multilane
NCHRP Guide 2, Section 6.7.1.
(2-lane) roundabout generally ranges between
150 feet to 220 feet to accommodate the (5) Exit Design.
California Legal design vehicle for non-STAA
Similar to entry design, exit design flexibility
route intersections on California Legal routes
is required to achieve the optimal balance
and California Legal KPRA Advisory routes,
between competing design variables and
and 165 feet to 220 feet to accommodate the
project objectives to provide adequate
STAA design vehicle for roundabouts on the
capacity and, essentially, safety while
National Network and on Terminal Access
minimizing excessive property impacts and
routes. Similar to a single lane roundabout, the
costs. Thus, the selection of a curved versus
design vehicle is to be able to navigate a
tangential design is to be based upon the
multilane roundabout with the front tractor
balance of each of these criteria. Exit design
wheels staying off the truck apron, if one is
is influenced by the place type, pedestrian
present. Transit vehicles, fire engines and
demand, bicyclist needs, the design vehicle
December 16, 2016
and physical constraints. The exit curb radii (8) Bicyclist Use.
are usually larger than the entry curb radii in
(a) General. Bicyclists may choose to travel
order to minimize the likelihood of congestion
in the circular roadway of a roundabout by
and crashes at the exits. However, the desire
taking a lane, while others may decide to
to minimize congestion at the exits needs to be
travel using the shared-use path to bypass
balanced with the need to maintain an
the circular roadway. Therefore, the
appropriate operating speed through the
approach and circular roadways, as well
pedestrian crossing. Therefore, the exit path
as the shared-use path all need to be
radius should not be significantly greater than
designed for the mobility needs of
the circulating path radius to ensure low
bicyclists. See the California MUTCD for
speeds are maintained at the pedestrian
the signs and markings used at
crossing.
roundabouts.
(6) Number of Legs Serving the Roundabout.
(b) Bicyclist Use of the Circular Roadway.
Intersections with more than four legs are Single lane roundabouts do not require
often difficult to manage operationally. bicyclists to change lanes in the circular
Roundabouts are a proven traffic control roadway to select the appropriate lane for
device in such situations. However, it is their direction of travel, so they tend to be
necessary to ensure that the design vehicle can comfortable for bicyclists to use. Even
maneuver through all unrestricted legs of the two-lane roundabouts, which may have
roundabout. straighter paths of travel that can lead to
faster vehicular traveling speeds, appear
(7) Pedestrian Use.
to be comfortable for bicyclists that prefer
Sidewalks around the circular roadway are to to travel like vehicles. Roundabouts that
be designed as shared-use paths, see Index have more than two circular lanes can
405.10(8)(c). However, the guidance in create complexities in signing and
Design Information Bulletin (DIB) 82 striping(see the California MUTCD for
Pedestrian Accessibility Guidelines for guidance), and their operating speed may
Highway Projects must also be followed when cause some bicyclists to decide to bypass
designing these shared-use facilities around a the circular roadway and use the bicycle
roundabout. If there is a difference in the ramp that provides access to the shared-
standards, the guidance in DIB 82 is to be use path around the roundabout.
followed. In addition,
(c) Bicyclists Use of the Shared-Use Path.
(a) Pedestrian curb ramps need to be The shared-use path is to be designed
differentiated from bike ramps: using the guidance in Index 1003.1 for
Class I Bikeways and in NCHRP Guide 2
The detectable warning surface
Section 6.8.2.2. However, the accessibility
(truncated domes) differentiates a
guidance in DIB 82 must also be followed
pedestrian curb ramp from a bicycle
when designing these shared-use facilities
ramp.
around a roundabout. If there is a
Detectable warning surface is required difference in the standards, the
on curb ramps. They are not to be accessibility guidance in DIB 82 is to be
used on a bike ramp. followed to ensure the facility is
accessible to pedestrians with disabilities.
(b) Truck aprons and mountable curbs are not
to be placed in the pedestrian crossing Bicycle ramps are to be located to avoid
areas. confusion as curb ramps for pedestrians.
Also see Index 405.10(7) for guidance on
(c) See the California MUTCD for the signs
how to differentiate the two types of
and markings used at roundabouts.
ramps. The design details and width of the
ramp are also important to the bicyclist.
December 16, 2016
Bicyclists approaching the bicycle ramp island (i.e., landscaping and esthetic features)
need to be provided the choice of merging may be needed.
left into the lane or moving right to use
(11) Speed Consistency.
the bicycle ramp. Bicycle ramps should
be placed at a 35 to 45 degree angle to the Consistency in operating speeds between the
departure roadway and the sidewalk to various movements within the roundabout can
enable the bicyclists to use the ramp and minimize collisions between traffic streams.
discourage bicyclists from entering the The operating speeds between competing
shared-use path at a speed that is traffic streams and between consecutive
detrimental to the pedestrians. The shared- geometric elements should be minimized such
use path should be designated as Class I that the maximum speed differential between
Bikeways; however, appropriate them is no more than 15 miles per hour; it is
regulatory signs may need to be posted if preferred that the operating speed differential
the local jurisdiction has a law(s) that be less than 10 miles per hour.
prohibit bicyclists from riding on a (12) Path Alignment (Natural Path).
sidewalk.
As two traffic streams approach the
A landscape buffer or strip between the roundabout in adjacent lanes, drivers and
shared-use/Class I Bikeway and the bicyclists will be guided by lane markings up
circular roadway of the roundabout is to the entrance line. At the yield point, they
needed and should be a minimum of 2 feet will continue along their natural trajectory into
wide. the circulatory roadway. The speed and
Pedestrian crossings may also be used by orientation of the design vehicle at the
bicyclists; thus, these shared-use crossings entrance line determines what can be
need to be designed for both bicyclist and described as its natural path. The geometry of
pedestrian needs. the exits also affects the natural path that the
design vehicle travels. The natural path of two
(9) Transit Use.
vehicles are not to overlap, see NCHRP Guide
Transit vehicles and buses will not have 2, Section 6.7.2.
difficulty negotiating a roundabout when it
(13) Splitter Islands.
has been designed using the California Legal
design vehicle or the STAA design vehicle. Splitter islands (also called separator islands,
However, to minimize passenger discomfort, a divisional islands, or median islands) will be
roundabout should be designed such that the provided on all roundabouts. The purpose is
transit vehicle or bus does not use the truck to provide refuge for pedestrians, assist in
apron, if one is present. controlling speeds, guide traffic into the
roundabout, physically separate entering and
(10) Stopping Sight Distance and Visibility.
exiting traffic streams, and deter wrongway
See Index 201.1 for stopping sight distance movements.
guidance at roundabouts.
The total length of the raised island should be
A domed or mounded central island, between at least 50 feet although 100 feet is desirable.
3.5 to 6 feet high, is needed to focus attention On higher speed roadways, splitter island
on the approach and through roundabout lengths of 150 feet or more is beneficial.
alignment. A domed central island provides a Additionally, the splitter island should extend
visual screen from downstream alignment and beyond the end of the exit curve to prevent
other distractions and provides a visual cue for exiting traffic from crossing into the path of
vehicles approaching the roundabout. approaching traffic. The splitter island width
should be a minimum of 6 feet at the
In high speed environments, additional
pedestrian crossing to adequately provide
lighting of, and vertical elements in the central
refuge for pedestrians.
March 7, 2014
Figure 405.10
Roundabout Geometric Elements
NOTE:
This figure is provided to only show nomenclature and is not to be used for design details.
December 16, 2016
Posted speeds on the approach roadway (19) Maintenance.

greater than or equal to 45 miles per hour
Contact the District Maintenance Engineer
require the splitter island length, as measured
and appropriate Regional Manager for
from the inscribed circle diameter, to be
maintenance strategies and practices including
200 feet. In some instances, a longer splitter
seasonal operations, maintenance resources,
island may be desirable. Concrete curb is to be
and specialized equipment. Maintenance
provided on the right side of the approach
responsibilities may also include multiple
roadway equal to the length of the splitter
state, county, and city agencies where
island from the inscribed circle diameter.
coordination of maintenance efforts and
(14) Access Control. funding is needed.
The access control standards in Index 504.3(3) Consider maintenance of the central island.
and 504.8 apply to roundabouts at interchange Provide a maintenance vehicle pullout within
ramp intersections. The dimensions shown in the central island beyond the truck apron, so
Index 504.8 are to be measured from the maintenance vehicles will not conflict with
inscribed circle diameter. circulating trucks.
Driveways should not be placed within (20) Snow Areas.
100 feet from the inscribed circle diameter.
In climate regions where snowfall requires the
(15) Lighting. use of snow removal equipment, consider the
equipment to be used. Design ICDs as well
Lighting is required at all roundabouts. See
as entrance and exit geometry to
NCHRP Report 672 Chapter 8, the Traffic
accommodate snow removal equipment and
Manual Chapter 9 as well as consult with the
plow limitations. Check with District
District Traffic Safety Engineer.
Maintenance for their requirements and
(16) Landscaping. limitations. Geometric elements to consider
Landscaping should be designed such that that facilitate snow removal are; mountable
drivers and bicyclists can observe the signing curb, tapering the ends of curbs down to allow
and shape of the roundabout as they approach, plows to ride over curbs, plowing
allowing adequate visibility for making accommodation in both directions, providing
decisions within the roundabout. The snow storage space within the central island,
landscaping of the central island can enhance and providing minimum entry/exit widths to
the intersection by making it a focal point, by accommodate the plow blade. Mountable
promoting lower speeds and by breaking the curb may be used if sidewalk/shared use path
headlight glare of oncoming vehicles or is not contiguous to the curb. Provide a
bicycles. It is desirable to create a domed or planter or textured pavement between the path
mounded central island, between 3.5 to 6 feet and the roadway. Snow storage areas must be
high, to increase the visibility of the designed to prevent snow melt from entering
intersection on the approach. Contact the the circulating lanes where it can freeze.
District Landscape Architecture Unit to Snow storage areas must not block pedestrian
provide technical assistance in designing the paths.
roundabout landscaping. (21) Utilities.
(17) Vertical Clearance. Utility access openings (manholes) should not
The vertical clearance guidance provided in be located within the traveled way within the
Index 309.2 applies to roundabouts. boundary of the roundabout. Roundabouts do
not have shoulders to accommodate traffic
(18) Drainage Design. while manholes are accessed. Manholes
See Chapter 800 to 890 for further guidance. should not be allowed within the circulating
roadway to avoid closing down the
intersection during access. If a manhole is
December 16, 2016
absolutely necessary within the boundary of intersection is shared two ways instead of three
the inscribed diameter, place it in the central ways as in the diamond case.
island and off of the truck apron. Provide a
maintenance vehicle pullout to allow access to Table 406
the manhole without blocking truck traffic.
Vehicle Traffic Flow Conditions at
Topic 406 - Ramp Intersection Intersections at Various Levels of
Capacity Analysis Operation
The following procedure for ramp intersection
analysis may be used to estimate the capacity of
any signalized intersection where the phasing is ILV/hr Description
relatively simple. It is useful in analyzing the need
for additional turning and through traffic lanes. For
< 1200:
a more complete analysis refer to the Highway
Capacity Manual. Stable flow with slight, but acceptable delay.
Occasional signal loading may develop. Free
(a) Ramp Intersection Analysis--For the typical
midblock operations.
local street interchange there is usually a
critical intersection of a ramp and the 1200-1500:
crossroads that establishes the capacity of the
interchange. The capacity of a point where Unstable flow with considerable delays possible.
lanes of traffic intersect is 1500 vehicles per Some vehicles occasionally wait two or more
hour. This is expressed as intersecting lane cycles to pass through the intersection. Continuous
vehicles per hour (ILV/hr). Table 406 gives backup occurs on some approaches.
values of ILV/hr for various traffic flow 1500 (Capacity):
conditions.
Stop-and-go operation with severe delay and heavy
If a single-lane approach at a normal congestion(1). Traffic volume is limited by
intersection has a demand volume of 1000 vph, maximum discharge rates of each phase.
for example, then the intersecting single-lane Continuous backup in varying degrees occurs on all
approach volume cannot exceed 500 vph approaches. Where downstream capacity is
without delay. restrictive, mainline congestion can impede orderly
The three examples that follow illustrate the discharge through the intersection.
simplicity of analyzing ramp intersections NOTE:
using this 1500 ILV/hr concept.
(1) The amount of congestion depends on how much
(b) Diamond Interchange--The critical intersection the ILV/hr value exceeds 1500. Observed flow
of a diamond type interchange must rates will normally not exceed 1500 ILV/hr, and the
accommodate demands of three conflicting excess will be delayed in a queue.
travel paths. As traffic volumes approach
capacity, signalization will be needed. For the
spread diamond (Figure 406A), basic capacity
analysis is made on the assumption that 3-
phase signalization is employed. For the tight
diamond (Figure 406B), it is assumed that 4-
phase signal timing is used.
(c) 2 Quadrant Cloverleaf--Because this inter-
change design (Figure 406C) permits 2-phase
signalization, it will have higher capacities on
the approach roadways. The critical
March 7, 2014
Figure 406A
Spread Diamond
December 30, 2015
Figure 406B
Tight Diamond
December 30, 2015
Figure 406C
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HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL 400-1

patterns in intersections must be analyzed early in

See AASHTO, A Policy on Geometric Design of 403.6 Turning Traffic

challenges with visibility between turning 403.7 Refuge Areas

(2) Design of Intersections at Interchanges. The Mid-block street crossings;

Reduce areas of conflict. 404.2 Design Considerations

number of lanes (b) Approach Taper -- On conventional

Deceleration lane lengths are given in

(3) Double Left-turn Lanes. At signalized High volumes of right-turning traffic

OFFSET IN FEET FOR GIVEN "X" DISTANCE

important factor in designing median openings

Typical Design for Median Openings

405.7 Public Road Intersections be accommodated and the mobility needs of

Posted speeds on the approach roadway (19) Maintenance.

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