Intersections are a fundamental part of the network where two or more roads and/or streets meet. Intersections should facilitate:
- safe, accessible and inclusive movement for all users
- a balance all users’ needs according to local context, network function and consistent with the Road User Space Allocation Policy
- clear and intuitive navigation
- integration with the broader road and street network.
Intersection types
Intersection types can be grade separated or at-grade. At-grade intersections can either be traffic signal controlled or unsignalised. Further, unsignalised intersections can be controlled with devices such as stop and give way signs or roundabout, or by road rules.
The type of intersection depends on the purpose and priority of the intersecting roads or streets. Table 9.1 outlines the key objectives for different intersecting street environments and which section of the manual provides guidance. The table is arranged by vehicle movements from largest to smallest.
Intersection objective by road/street typology
| Main roads | Main streets | Local streets | Civic spaces | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main roads | Provide for efficient movement through intersection while reducing delay for people crossing | Balance needs of crossing main street with movement along the main road | Provide for safe entry and crossing points to local streets at safe speeds | Main roads should not directly intersect with civic spaces. |
| Main streets | Manage complex interactions between high volumes of vehicles and people. | Prioritise walking along main streets and minimise approach speeds for vehicles into local streets. | Provide for walking desire lines across main streets and support activity within civic spaces by limiting turning vehicles into civic spaces | |
| Local streets | Provide for safe walking and cycling crossing points at all legs and minimise intersection approach speeds. | Prioritise movement of people and transit vehicles to/from/within the civic space over local street movements | ||
| Civic spaces | Prioritise movement of people over vehicles. |
Chapter 9 of the Design of Roads and Streets manual gives detailed guidance on Intersections.
View the full Design of Roads and Streets manual
on the Transport Standards Portal.