Elmer
13 years ago
I don't believe this type of interchange has been discussed in this
group before, but I do find it quite fascinating:
It's one of those things like, "why hasn't anyone thought of this
before?".
So have they? Are there any real-life examples of this concept in use
today? Yes, at first glance, it bears a resemblance to Circle-Stack
interchanges (e.g.: I-787/South Mall Expy.), but after you realize
what's going on, it's actually something quite different.
Essentially, it is a four-way, full-directional, medium-to-high speed
interchange; with no conflict points or weaving; that requires only
four low-level bridges. In the Pinavia video, the application is
perfectly flat and symmetrical, so the interchange is a perfect
circle. However the concept could be applied in a somewhat different
shape to accommodate local terrain or the intersecting roads'
geometry.
Regardless of the actual geometry, are there any known interchanges
that achieve that same functionality with only four, single-level
bridge crossings? (i.e.: the South Mall Interchange does the same
function, but has multiple levels and many bridges)
Where do you think this design would work? Here's my choice of a
perfect place for one. A site familiar to many road geek historians
I'm sure, is Copeland Circle in Revere, MA, where US-1 intersects
MA-60. It is famous for being where I-95 construction through Boston
was cancelled in the 1970's. (it still bears complete, but never used
"ghost ramps" for I-95 to this day)
The interchange is destined to be completely rebuilt in the next few
years. Several designs are being considered; one would change it into
a SPUI. The Pinava design would work much better and fit perfectly
into the site. I also think the City of Revere would love reclaiming
the high-value commercial land in the center of the interchange!
Elmer
group before, but I do find it quite fascinating:
It's one of those things like, "why hasn't anyone thought of this
before?".
So have they? Are there any real-life examples of this concept in use
today? Yes, at first glance, it bears a resemblance to Circle-Stack
interchanges (e.g.: I-787/South Mall Expy.), but after you realize
what's going on, it's actually something quite different.
Essentially, it is a four-way, full-directional, medium-to-high speed
interchange; with no conflict points or weaving; that requires only
four low-level bridges. In the Pinavia video, the application is
perfectly flat and symmetrical, so the interchange is a perfect
circle. However the concept could be applied in a somewhat different
shape to accommodate local terrain or the intersecting roads'
geometry.
Regardless of the actual geometry, are there any known interchanges
that achieve that same functionality with only four, single-level
bridge crossings? (i.e.: the South Mall Interchange does the same
function, but has multiple levels and many bridges)
Where do you think this design would work? Here's my choice of a
perfect place for one. A site familiar to many road geek historians
I'm sure, is Copeland Circle in Revere, MA, where US-1 intersects
MA-60. It is famous for being where I-95 construction through Boston
was cancelled in the 1970's. (it still bears complete, but never used
"ghost ramps" for I-95 to this day)
The interchange is destined to be completely rebuilt in the next few
years. Several designs are being considered; one would change it into
a SPUI. The Pinava design would work much better and fit perfectly
into the site. I also think the City of Revere would love reclaiming
the high-value commercial land in the center of the interchange!
Elmer