[central_va]

Whats wrong with the classic clover leaf?

[Vision Thing]

Ok, here goes. Time for me to geek out on this.

Compared to the ddi design, the clover leaf requires a 270-degree turn for a northbound driver who wants to turn onto the westbound street. The ddi makes such a driver only do a 90-degree turn.

Also, in the same scenario, the clover leaf requires the driver to slow down much more than the ddi driver, thus it’s a bigger drag on fuel efficiency.

Also, in the same scenario, the clover leaf driver has a really bad view of the traffic on the lane into which he is megring. The ddi driver is able to see his merging traffic to his rightside. So it’s much safer.

One other disadvantage the clover leaf has is it’s requirement for more real estate.

After all that said, the clover leaf has the distinct advantage of requiring no stoplights.

#CivilEngineeringIsBetterThanCivilWar

[itsahoot]

Whats wrong with the classic clover leaf? Hey I was happy with 4 way stops and a 2 lane Highyway 66

[mountn man]

Whats wrong with the classic clover leaf?

Half of the exiting traffic will not stop, or seldom stop, depending on traffic congestion on the arterial street. Thus relieving congestion at the off ramp.

Next, on the arterial street, when a person goes to enter the on ramp, it's a straight access, with no traffic to cross over. You just make your turn onto the on ramp and merge with traffic also entering, coming from the opposite direction. No traffic signals stopping you or limiting your time to turn. Thus, less congestion.

The only traffic signals are at the left hand turn, off ramps and the 2 arterial road cross overs.

Generally, the crossovers are set, that both crossovers, in the same direction, are green at the same time, allowing traffic to continue through both lights, clearing the entire intersection...as long as traffic on the arterial is moving fairly well.

It REALLY IS an improvement.