TII Publications
DN-GEO-03060
Geometric Design of Junctions (priority junctions, direct accesses, roundabouts, grade
separated and compact grade separated junctions)
April 2017
Page 35
5.3.3
Left Diverge Loops
For right turning movements of low volume where signing is not required, an alternative measure is a
left hand diverging lane loop as shown in Figure 5.5. This type of junction should only be used where
the minor road is providing local access only i.e. very low turning movements with users who are
familiar with the layout and where the road layout may lead to overtaking through a simple priority
junction if provided.
Figure 5.5: Priority Junction with Left Hand Diverging Lane Loop for Right Turning movements
5.3.4
Crossroads
The use of a crossroads is not allowed on rural national roads and shall be regarded as a Departure
from Standard.
5.3.5
Staggered Junctions
A staggered junction with a right/left stagger, where minor road traffic crossing the major road first
turns right, proceeds along the major road and then turns left, is preferred to left/right staggers
because traffic turning between the minor roads is less likely to have to wait in the centre of the major
road. The use of left/right staggered junctions is a Departure from Standard.
Figure 5.6: Staggered junctions
TII Publications
DN-GEO-03060
Geometric Design of Junctions (priority junctions, direct accesses, roundabouts, grade
separated and compact grade separated junctions)
April 2017
Page 36
The stagger distance is the distance along the major road between the centrelines of the two minor
roads.
For all staggered priority junctions, the minimum stagger distance between the centreline of the
junctions shall be 50m. It shall be provided on all new staggered junctions, including the upgrade of
rural crossroads. The maximum stagger distance between centreline of the priority junctions
(excluding residential and agricultural accesses) is listed in Table 5.2 below. Junctions with distances
exceeding these values shall be treated as two separate junctions.
Table 5.2: Maximum Stagger Distances for Junctions per Road Speed Limit
Speed (km/h)
Maximum Distance Between
Centres of Staggered Junctions
(m)
30
70
50
90
60
110
80
160
100
200
5.4
Provision for Non-Motorised Users
Provision must be made for the specific requirements of non-motorised road users in the design of
priority junctions providing access to National roads.
5.4.1
Priority Junctions with minor road AADT <4,000
At priority junctions, where the AADT of the side road is less than 4,000 vehicles, crossing facilities
shall be a bend out crossing as demonstrated in Figure 5.7. The priority at these junctions should lie
with vehicular traffic. Signs should be provided on the road warning motorists of the upcoming crossing
facility.
The bend out crossing junction increases the space between the cycle track crossing point and the
main carriageway. This allows space for motorised vehicles turning off the major road before they
encounter the cycle crossing facility. The distance between the edge of the main carriageway and the
crossing facility shall be between 10 and 15 metres.
The bend out junction treatment includes a straight approach for cyclists to ensure that cyclists are
provided with full visibility on entry to the junction treatment. The horizontal radii of 10 metres on the
cycle facility shall be introduced to encourage lower cycle speeds on approach to the junction. A colour
contrast treatment should be provided along the cycle route warning cyclists of the upcoming conflict
with motorised traffic as illustrated in Figure 5.7.