Diverging diamond traffic pattern

[Gary1953]

While in Springfield, MO next year for the International many of you will drive on the nations first diverging diamond traffic pattern. The diverging diamond is located a few blocks from the Fairgrounds the location of the swap meet and concours.
This improvement has really helped with traffic flow for events at the fairgrounds.
While in Springfield check it out.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-01-27-diverging-diamond-interchange_N.htm

[BobGlasscock]

Very interesting concept. First impression was of a little mental fear in seeing that everyone has to drive on the 'wrong' side a little ways. But it is safe enough as the thoroughfare is one-way during that distance.

Makes me miss the 'traffic circle' we used to have here. A whole lot simpler and no cross traffic anywhere on it. As those outside of America call them, roundabouts. I miss ours. Been gone for a long time, since the Interstate was built. But I have a piece of asphalt from it for memory's sake.

[stude53]

Bob,
I live near Newton Grove, NC, and the only reason I can see for its existance is the traffic circle where state routes 701, 50, 55, and 13 cross, enter and exit each other. It's efficient and a lot lower cost, I'm sure, than a diverging diamond.

[Chris Pile]

I swear I've seen these in Pennsylvania before - and they scared me to death.

[Gary1953]

The first one build in the US is the one in Springfield, MO. We how have two of them.
They are better in my mind than traffic circles.

[55 prez]

My first reaction was that this is crazy but now that I've used it several times getting to the fairgrounds from eastbound I 44 it makes a lot of sense. The trouble with roundabouts that I experience is that once a line of traffic begins from one direction they won't yield. The purpose is for each vehicle to pause at the yield sign to see if some one is waiting or first at their yield sign. Look out when the mother's are headed to or from school with their children. Some of the men drivers are bullies and know better but the women don't seem to know the traffic rules.

[Gary1953]

I want to reminder everyone about this overpass by the Fairgrounds. It is certainly different.
There are two in Springfield and one in St Louis. The only three I know of in the country so most of you have probably never seen one before.
Please pay attention to the signs and lanes when you use it.

[DEEPNHOCK]

Having driven on one before... All it makes you think is that you are in a construction zone.. No big deal..

[jnfweber]

Springfield has some interesting traffic solutions. The double left turn lanes at the intersection of US-65 southbound at Sunshine is a good example, which works well after one gets familiar with it.

I don't like roundabouts for the reasons mentioned. The one at the last entrance to I-15 southbound in Saint George, Utah is a particularly bad example. We are leaving for Europe right after the Meet, and my last experience driving there was that European drivers are much more courteous, and drive much faster. Even the women seem to know their way around (roundabouts). <g>

[PlainBrownR2]

Springfield has some interesting traffic solutions. The double left turn lanes at the intersection of US-65 southbound at Sunshine is a good example, which works well after one gets familiar with it.

That's actually a fairly common solution this direction for the major metropolitan, high capacity intersections. Rather than have a single turn lane with a block and a half of cars in it, they will double the left turn lanes for an eight lane intersection which splits the cars and reduces the lines. They will also mark the intersection around the turn, so all you have to do is remember to follow the turn and to stay in your lane. The arrows are also a separate, dedicated signal, so your not waiting for cross traffic to clear before making your turn.