What is dog bone interchange?

The term dog bone interchange refers to a type of highway interchange that resembles a dog bone in shape. It consists of two roundabouts on opposite sides of an overpass or underpass. The roundabouts are connected by a bridge or tunnel, allowing vehicles to cross over or under the intersecting roadway without stopping.

The dog bone interchange is designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion by eliminating the need for traffic signals or stop signs. The roundabouts allow vehicles to enter and exit the interchange without stopping, while the bridge or tunnel separates the intersecting roads, reducing conflicts and weaving.

Dog bone interchanges have been used in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and China. They are particularly useful in high-traffic areas with limited space, as they require less land than traditional cloverleaf or diamond interchanges.

One advantage of dog bone interchanges is that they can handle high volumes of traffic with fewer accidents than other interchange designs. However, they can be more expensive to build than other types of interchanges, and they may require more maintenance due to the complex traffic patterns.