At-grade connectors: Difference between revisions View history

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When traffic moves between two roads that are at the same [[Glossary#Grade|grade]], these connecting segments are not technically [[Road types/USA#Ramps|ramps]] to Waze (unless it falls into one of the [[#Exceptions|Exceptions]] listed below). How to handle these connectors depends on the exact situation.
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When traffic moves between two roads that are at the same [[Glossary#Grade|grade]], these connecting segments are not technically [[Road types#Ramps|ramps]] to Waze (unless it falls into one of the [[#Exceptions|Exceptions]] listed below). How to handle these connectors depends on the exact situation.


== Should the connector be mapped? ==
== Should the connector be mapped? ==
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First and foremost, the need to have the connector mapped needs to be established.  As the driver approaches an intersection, Waze has usually given at least one warning that a turn is imminent, and we can assume that the driver is already looking for turn lanes. For most intersections, that is enough to guide the driver into the proper lane and to turn at the proper time; in other words, it is enough that the two roads intersect without separately mapped turning lanes.
First and foremost, the need to have the connector mapped needs to be established.  As the driver approaches an intersection, Waze has usually given at least one warning that a turn is imminent, and we can assume that the driver is already looking for turn lanes. For most intersections, that is enough to guide the driver into the proper lane and to turn at the proper time; in other words, it is enough that the two roads intersect without separately mapped turning lanes.


There are only a few situations in which connectors are called for in an intersection:
An at-grade connector should generally only be mapped with a separate segment '''where the turn lane physically separates from the main road well in advance of the intersection''', ''i.e.'', where the point of divergence (the "theoretical gore") is more than a couple car lengths before the stop line of the main lanes of traffic.
*When the turn lane physically separates from the main road well in advance of the intersection
*When the turn lane is far enough from the point of intersection on the map (due to the size of the intersection or the angle at which the roads meet) that the driver might overshoot while waiting for a delayed "turn" audible, or that the Waze client might become confused and disrupt navigation
*When the area is "busy" enough that the driver may not get any advance warning that a turn is coming up--in which case a connector lets you notify the driver a little earlier
*When there are user complaints ([[Update_Requests_in_Waze_Map_Editor|Update Requests]]) that the audible was too late, or that the map should have shown a connector


When in doubt, leave it out. Each connector complicates the map and adds to your workload when the time comes to check connectivity, direction, name, etc.
Consider the addition or removal of at-grade connectors carefully. Connectors can bring the map closer to reality, but they can also add to your workload when the time comes to check connectivity, direction, name, etc., and make it impossible for heuristics to work on [[lanes]] at # or H intersections.


== {{anchor|How to label the connector type}} Road type ==
== {{anchor|How to label the connector type}} Road type ==


Although sometimes referred to as ramps, to Waze these are '''not''' ramps.  Ramps in Waze should only be used for situations where two roadways have a grade separated intersection or if the situation matches one of the [[#Exceptions|Exceptions]] listed below.
[[File:AGC_2018_00001.png|right|border]]Although sometimes referred to as ramps, to Waze these are '''not''' ramps.  The Ramp road type in Waze should only be used for situations where two roadways have a grade separated intersection or if the situation matches one of the [[#Exceptions|Exceptions]] listed below.
 
The connector segment's type should be set based on the '''lowest''' of the types of roads it connects, as in the following examples:
 
*Street to Minor Highway should be Street type.
*Minor Highway to Primary Street should be Primary Street type.
*Primary Street to Primary Street should be Primary Street type.
 
In the example image on the right, note how the top-left quadrant of the intersection does not have a connector mapped because it does not meet the requirement of being significantly separated from the main intersection.
{{clear}}
 
== {{anchor|How to name the connector}} Road name ==


The connector segment's type should be set based on the '''lowest''' of the types of roads it connects.
In most cases, checking None for the Street name will be sufficient.  Navigation instructions will simply use the name of the next segment to which the connector segment connects.


*Ex: Street to Minor Highway should be Street type.
If there are specific signs at the intersection which are confusing or contrary to the destination road segment name, then a name can be applied to the connector.
*Ex: Minor Highway to Primary Street should be Primary Street type.
*Ex: Primary Street to Primary Street should be Primary Street type.


Example:
== {{anchor|Geometry of the connector}} {{anchor|Geometry}} Geometry and turn instructions ==


[[Image:At-grade_example1.jpg]]
=== Turn replacement AGCs ===


Also note how the top-left quadrant of the intersection does not have a connector mapped because it does not meet the requirement of being significantly separated from the main intersection.
The "typical" at-grade connector takes the place of a normal turn instruction at an intersection, giving the same turn instruction at the point when the driver enters the AGC, and giving no instruction as the driver exits the AGC. In the typical turn replacement AGC, the turning motion made by the driver is more or less consistent throughout the AGC, beginning at the gore point.


== {{anchor|How to name the connector}} Road name ==
Turn replacement AGCs should be mapped starting at the '''gore point''' that separates the AGC from the main lanes of traffic.
 
<gallery>
File:Turnreplace1.png|Typical turn replacement AGC
File:Turnreplace2.jpg|Turn replacement AGCs start at the gore, not at the solid white line
File:Turnreplace3.jpg|Typical turn replacement AGCs
File:Turnreplace4.jpg|Turn replacement AGCs start at the gore, not at the solid white line
</gallery>
 
=== Long lead AGCs ===
 
On some AGCs, the actual turning motion starts well ''after'' the gore. After entering the AGC, the driver's path is more or less straight for some time before the motion of the turn itself begins.


In most cases, leaving the segment unnamed will be sufficient.  Navigation instructions will simply use the name of the segment to which the connector segment connects.
Like turn replacement AGCs, long lead AGCs should be mapped starting at the '''gore point''' that separates the AGC from the main lanes of traffic.


If there are specific signs at the intersection which are confusing or contrary to the destination road segment name, then a name can be applied to the connector.
To better represent the actual motions involved, long lead AGCs should be configured with an instruction to "keep right" or "keep left"  onto the AGC and, where needed, a second instruction (often "turn right" or "turn left") given as the driver exits the AGC.


== {{anchor|Geometry of the connector}} Geometry ==
<gallery>
File:Longlead1.jpg|The painted gore separates the AGC from traffic well before the left turn motion begins
File:Longlead2.jpg|The raised grassy area separates the AGC from traffic well before the left turn motion begins
File:Longlead3.jpg|The painted gore creates an AGC which is in many ways similar to a freeway exit ramp
</gallery>


The [[Junction Style Guide]] provides significant information on how to best set the geometry of the connector to get the best routing and text-to-speech result. Be sure to review that article when updating or creating these connectors.
The long-lead AGC configuration provides an additional benefit for left turn lanes where U turns are allowed by allowing the 2nd instruction in the two-instruction set to be "make a U turn" on the U turn path.


== {{anchor|Turn restrictions necessary for proper connector routing}} Turn restrictions ==
== {{anchor|Turn restrictions necessary for proper connector routing}} Turn restrictions ==


Connectors, if simply added to the map and all turns allowed, would cause significant routing challenges, especially between two 2-way roads. Split roadways have their own challenges, but turn restrictions, due to the 1-way nature of the main segments, are simpler.
[[File:AGC_2018_00002.png|right|border]]Connectors, if simply added to the map and all turns were allowed, would cause significant routing challenges, especially between two 2-way roads. Divided roadways have their own challenges, but turn restrictions, due to the 1-way nature of the main segments, are simpler.


In the US, a simple right-turn connector between two 2-way streets, requires that the right turn be restricted at both the primary intersection, and at the connector itself so Waze will not be allowed to tell the driver to turn left across the road to get onto the connector.
In the US, a simple right-turn connector between two 2-way streets, requires that the right turn be restricted at both the primary intersection, and at the connector itself so Waze will not be allowed to tell the driver to turn left across the road to get onto the connector.


[[Image:Atgrade example3.jpg]]
{{clear}}
 


[[File:AGC_2018_00003.png|left|border]]
AND, at the end of the connector, the left turn must be restricted:
AND, at the end of the connector, the left turn must be restricted:
{{clear}}


[[Image:Atgrade example2.jpg]]
[[File:AGC_2018_00004.png|right|border]]If you enable the "show all restricted connectivity arrows" function in the editor at this intersection, you can see there are many restricted turns. This is sometimes a target for someone looking to remove all restricted turns by abusing the use of the 'w' or '''Allow All''' turns function.
 
{{clear}}


If you enable the "show all restricted connectivity arrows" function in the editor at this intersection, you can see there are many restricted turns. This is sometimes a target for someone looking to remove all restricted turns by abusing the use of the 'w' or '''Allow All''' turns function:
== Speed Limit ==
 
[[Speed limits#At_grade_connectors|At-Grade Connector speed limit instructions]]
[[Image:Atgrade example4.jpg]]


== Exceptions ==
== Exceptions ==
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}}
}}


=== Connector is a signed, numbered exit ===
=== Median U turn intersection (MUTI) ===
 
[[File:AGC_MUTI_2018_01a.png|250px|thumbnail|right]]The median crossing segments in a [http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/09057/ median U turn (aka "Michigan left") intersection] should be set to the {{Ramp}} type.{{clear}}
 
=== Restricted crossing U turn (RCUT) intersection ===
 
[[File:AGC_MUTI_2018_02.png|250px|thumbnail|right]]The median crossing segments in a [http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/09059/ restricted crossing U turn (aka "J turn" or "Superstreet") intersection] should be set to the {{Ramp}} type.{{clear}}
 
=== Displaced left turn (DLT) intersection ===
 
[[File:DLT.png|250px|thumbnail|right]]The crossover left turn lanes and the resultant elongated right turn lanes in a [http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/09055/ displaced left turn (or "continuous flow") intersection] should be set to the {{Ramp}} type.{{clear}}
 
=== Jughandle ===
 
[[File:AGC_Jug_2018.png|250px|thumbnail|right]][http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/07032/ Jughandle] segments should be set to the {{Ramp}} type.<br><br>For New Jersey, refer to their wiki on [[New_Jersey#Jughandles|Jughandles]].{{clear}}
 
=== Signed, numbered exit ===
[[File:GSP_10.jpg|right|border]]
[[File:GSP_10.jpg|right|border]]
'''Example:''' Garden State Parkway Exit 10 in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, USA. The Garden State Parkway is mostly a freeway class toll-road that runs north/south through New Jersey.  As the Parkway approaches its southern terminus, the number of lanes reduce and exits become a mix of grade separated ramps and at-grade intersections. In order to receive an [[Junction_Style_Guide#Controlling_Turn_Instructions|instruction for Exit Right]] rather than Keep Right or Turn Right, this connector needs to be a ramp.
'''Example:''' Garden State Parkway Exit 10 in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, USA.
 
The Garden State Parkway is mostly a freeway class toll-road that runs north/south through New Jersey.  As the Parkway approaches its southern terminus, the number of lanes is reduced, and at-grade intersections with signed, numbered exits are interspersed with controlled access sections using grade-separated ramps.
 
In order to produce an [[Junction_Style_Guide#Controlling_Turn_Instructions|instruction to Exit Right]] for the at-grade intersections, rather than Keep Right or Turn Right, we must use a junction angle of less than 45 degrees and  a connector segment of a road type other than Freeway or Highway. Ramp type is ideal for this application because it does not display road names in the app. Segments for numbered exits are named to produce specific visual and TTS instructions, rather than by standard rules for at-grade connectors, and it would be inappropriate to display such names on the map.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


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[[Category:Style Guides]]
[[Category:Style guides]][[Category:Update what links here]]
[[Category:Waze Map Editor]]
[[Category:Update what links here]]

Latest revision as of 06:25, 14 August 2022

One or more images on this page requires updates. If you would like to contribute to this content, please consider posting in the US Wiki Discussion forum first to discuss your ideas.

When traffic moves between two roads that are at the same grade, these connecting segments are not technically ramps to Waze (unless it falls into one of the Exceptions listed below). How to handle these connectors depends on the exact situation.

Should the connector be mapped?

First and foremost, the need to have the connector mapped needs to be established. As the driver approaches an intersection, Waze has usually given at least one warning that a turn is imminent, and we can assume that the driver is already looking for turn lanes. For most intersections, that is enough to guide the driver into the proper lane and to turn at the proper time; in other words, it is enough that the two roads intersect without separately mapped turning lanes.

An at-grade connector should generally only be mapped with a separate segment where the turn lane physically separates from the main road well in advance of the intersection, i.e., where the point of divergence (the "theoretical gore") is more than a couple car lengths before the stop line of the main lanes of traffic.

Consider the addition or removal of at-grade connectors carefully. Connectors can bring the map closer to reality, but they can also add to your workload when the time comes to check connectivity, direction, name, etc., and make it impossible for heuristics to work on lanes at # or H intersections.

Road type

Although sometimes referred to as ramps, to Waze these are not ramps. The Ramp road type in Waze should only be used for situations where two roadways have a grade separated intersection or if the situation matches one of the Exceptions listed below.

The connector segment's type should be set based on the lowest of the types of roads it connects, as in the following examples:

  • Street to Minor Highway should be Street type.
  • Minor Highway to Primary Street should be Primary Street type.
  • Primary Street to Primary Street should be Primary Street type.

In the example image on the right, note how the top-left quadrant of the intersection does not have a connector mapped because it does not meet the requirement of being significantly separated from the main intersection.

Road name

In most cases, checking None for the Street name will be sufficient. Navigation instructions will simply use the name of the next segment to which the connector segment connects.

If there are specific signs at the intersection which are confusing or contrary to the destination road segment name, then a name can be applied to the connector.

Geometry and turn instructions

Turn replacement AGCs

The "typical" at-grade connector takes the place of a normal turn instruction at an intersection, giving the same turn instruction at the point when the driver enters the AGC, and giving no instruction as the driver exits the AGC. In the typical turn replacement AGC, the turning motion made by the driver is more or less consistent throughout the AGC, beginning at the gore point.

Turn replacement AGCs should be mapped starting at the gore point that separates the AGC from the main lanes of traffic.

Long lead AGCs

On some AGCs, the actual turning motion starts well after the gore. After entering the AGC, the driver's path is more or less straight for some time before the motion of the turn itself begins.

Like turn replacement AGCs, long lead AGCs should be mapped starting at the gore point that separates the AGC from the main lanes of traffic.

To better represent the actual motions involved, long lead AGCs should be configured with an instruction to "keep right" or "keep left" onto the AGC and, where needed, a second instruction (often "turn right" or "turn left") given as the driver exits the AGC.

The long-lead AGC configuration provides an additional benefit for left turn lanes where U turns are allowed by allowing the 2nd instruction in the two-instruction set to be "make a U turn" on the U turn path.

Turn restrictions

Connectors, if simply added to the map and all turns were allowed, would cause significant routing challenges, especially between two 2-way roads. Divided roadways have their own challenges, but turn restrictions, due to the 1-way nature of the main segments, are simpler.

In the US, a simple right-turn connector between two 2-way streets, requires that the right turn be restricted at both the primary intersection, and at the connector itself so Waze will not be allowed to tell the driver to turn left across the road to get onto the connector.

AND, at the end of the connector, the left turn must be restricted:

If you enable the "show all restricted connectivity arrows" function in the editor at this intersection, you can see there are many restricted turns. This is sometimes a target for someone looking to remove all restricted turns by abusing the use of the 'w' or Allow All turns function.

Exceptions

This revision of a section is currently undergoing modifications. The information presented should be considered a draft, not yet ready for use. Content is being prepared by one or more users. Do not make any changes before you post a message in this forum.

Median U turn intersection (MUTI)

The median crossing segments in a median U turn (aka "Michigan left") intersection should be set to the  Ramp  type.

Restricted crossing U turn (RCUT) intersection

The median crossing segments in a restricted crossing U turn (aka "J turn" or "Superstreet") intersection should be set to the  Ramp  type.

Displaced left turn (DLT) intersection

The crossover left turn lanes and the resultant elongated right turn lanes in a displaced left turn (or "continuous flow") intersection should be set to the  Ramp  type.

Jughandle

Jughandle segments should be set to the  Ramp  type.

For New Jersey, refer to their wiki on Jughandles.

Signed, numbered exit

Example: Garden State Parkway Exit 10 in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, USA.

The Garden State Parkway is mostly a freeway class toll-road that runs north/south through New Jersey. As the Parkway approaches its southern terminus, the number of lanes is reduced, and at-grade intersections with signed, numbered exits are interspersed with controlled access sections using grade-separated ramps.

In order to produce an instruction to Exit Right for the at-grade intersections, rather than Keep Right or Turn Right, we must use a junction angle of less than 45 degrees and a connector segment of a road type other than Freeway or Highway. Ramp type is ideal for this application because it does not display road names in the app. Segments for numbered exits are named to produce specific visual and TTS instructions, rather than by standard rules for at-grade connectors, and it would be inappropriate to display such names on the map.

Going north, the right turn lane is signed as Exit 10B and the left turn lane is signed as Exit 10A (and reversed going south).