Branson Plans Diverging Diamond at 248/65

[DalmatianDad]

As the city is planning to build a diverging diamond at 248/65, you might want to check out the design at the below link. The article uses the Springfield diamond as the model.
You can click the picture for a better look.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/...erchange_N.htm

[SHOW GAL]

Sounds as if it was the best way to go; however, every time we drive it, I feel the oncoming traffic is coming right at me.

Guess I'll just have to close my eyes until I get past the area.

[ggh]

Originally Posted by SHOW GAL

Sounds as if it was the best way to go; however, every time we drive it, I feel the oncoming traffic is coming right at me.

Guess I'll just have to close my eyes until I get past the area.

PLEASE don't close your eyes while you're driving Show Gal!

In the dark, the diverging diamond to be somewhat confusing, especially if you don't realize where you are/what it is. However, if you follow the lights, it DOES make for a much better flow of traffic!

[SweetSue]

Oh my gosh, I can just imagine the wrecks that would happen if one of those was built in my hometown. We have several roundabouts, and it is amazing how people do not drive correctly in them. We are getting a new one at a major intersection, with four lanes of traffic. I plan to avoid that area as much as possible because I can just see traffic backed up for miles with several wrecks.

September 2011 update. Actually, the major intersection with four lanes of traffic is working very well. I am really surprised!

[DalmatianDad]

Originally Posted by SweetSue

Oh my gosh, I can just imagine the wrecks that would happen if one of those was built in my hometown. We have several roundabouts, and it is amazing how people do not drive correctly in them. We are getting a new one at a major intersection, with four lanes of traffic. I plan to avoid that area as much as possible because I can just see traffic backed up for miles with several wrecks.

Pity the poor tourist who leaves the somewhat screwed up Bass Pro parking lot, heads north to the Skaggs roundabout and then encounters the diverging diamond.
Maybe we could call it the mad mile.

MEMO to SELF:
Set up a barf bag stand for tourists who complete the diverging diamond.



cha-ching!

[OkieAnon]

Originally Posted by DalmationDad

Pity the poor tourist who leaves the somewhat screwed up Bass Pro parking lot, heads north to the Skaggs roundabout and then encounters the diverging diamond.!

I think you just described....... me

I live in a town that doesn't even have a stoplight, first time I encountered the roundabout it was the second time wasn't as bad and the third I dove right in.... now a new one to figure out

[biscuitcreek]

Just an update on this project if you haven't been to Branson lately -- construction is ongoing at 248 and 65. More details about upcoming delays and lane closures in this free article from Branson
Tri-Lakes News:

http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_...cc4c002e0.html

[quiet65]

I have been on the diamond in springfield, the first time I almost went the wrong way. I also have been on the round about here and got in wrong lane and a few mad honking horns made me realize I need to stay away form both!!

[MNtraveler]

I think the diamonds in Springfield work really well. A little strange the first time you use one, but the reduction in traffic tie-ups in remarkable.

[Disneycrazymom]

Oh MY! I hate these things! I have to use the one at 270/dorsett all the time and every time I think I am going the wrong way.

[Crazy4Branson]

DOT engineers with too much time on their hands, sitting in front of computers = Diverging diamonds/round-a-bouts/experimental methods of traffic flow.......

[ggh]

Originally Posted by Crazy4Branson

DOT engineers with too much time on their hands, sitting in front of computers = Diverging diamonds/round-a-bouts/experimental methods of traffic flow.......

Diverging diamonds have been around in Europe, and proven their effectiveness for a LONG time. The first one in the US was built just a couple years ago in Springfield MO, HWY 13 and I-44.

They aren't difficult to drive through, and the flow is much smoother.

Round Abouts are confusing to some people but it beats having to stop at a 4-6 way stop light, and keeps traffic flowing.

[Crazy4Branson]

Originally Posted by ggh

Diverging diamonds have been around in Europe, and proven their effectiveness for a LONG time. The first one in the US was built just a couple years ago in Springfield MO, HWY 13 and I-44.

I knew these facts....

Why weren't these diverging diamonds & round-a-bouts introduced in NYC or LA.... where heavy/high speed traffic IS an issue...? Just wondering....

[bransonframer]

Originally Posted by Crazy4Branson

I knew these facts....

Why weren't these diverging diamonds & round-a-bouts introduced in NYC or LA.... where heavy/high speed traffic IS an issue...? Just wondering....

Because diverging diamonds and roundabouts aren't for heavy HIGH SPEED intersections. That's what those expensive intersections with layer after layer of flyover ramps are for. These type of intersections are used for heavy SLOW SPEED intersections. They are the most efficient interchanges available to replace the 4-Way Stop where multiple lanes are involved. These interchanges are designed to eliminate left turns and the stoppage of traffic to ALLOW these left turns.

[MelanieHamilton]

Originally Posted by ggh

Round Abouts are confusing to some people but it beats having to stop at a 4-6 way stop light, and keeps traffic flowing.

Not in Branson! Day before yesterday, I was entering the Round-About. A mini-van was coming around...in the left lane. I thought, "Okay...I'll pull into the right lane". Well, I didn't realize the mini-van was going to turn right, onto a side street...making a right turn from the left lane! I slammed on my brakes and I swear, I missed him by an inch. I should have known better! Every day, I see people making right turns from the left lane, or left turns from the right lane, in that Round-About. They think they will miss their turn. All they have to do is go around another time, and get in the correct lane.