Citation

Mery E. ITE J. 2009; 79(4): 46-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article highlights an example of how creativity was used to design a unique median in San Antonio, Texas. Three roadways plus a heavily-used driveway to a shopping center all intersected at one location. Two of the roads were heavily traveled arterials intersecting at a severe angle. Increased traffic had led to serious congestion at the intersection. A roundabout was considered for the area, but the additional right-of-way requirement for a standard circular or oval median would have been cost prohibitive. However, at a relatively low cost for right-of-way, enough land could be acquired for an odd-shaped median that could meet desired criteria. The resulting median is in the shape of a peanut. Preliminary models of the so-called "peanut-about" have shown a significant reduction in travel time through the intersection.