Single Point Interchanges (SPI’s) are becoming increasingly popular throughout the state of North Carolina. There is potential for pedestrian movements across SPI’s due to adjacent land uses typically built near these locations, such as malls, hotels, restaurants, and regional shopping centers. This research is a proactive effort to help alleviate potential pedestrian access issues that could arise in the future at these types of facilities.
The recommendations of this research effort are based on observations of both positive and negative design elements at single point interchanges throughout North Carolina. Based on these observations, the following design elements are essential at SPI’s to provide pedestrians with a safer, more comfortable crossing: 90° ± 20° crosswalk orientation; proper curb ramp orientation; high visibility crosswalks (in conjunction with abutting pedestrian facilities); stop bar placement; pedestrian separation; and appropriate barrier heights. In addition, lighting and the provision of adequate sight distance are attributes that the research team recommends to include in an underpass SPI design. Last, during the design of a SPI, future pedestrian traffic and corridor improvements should be considered so that curb cuts, raised walkways, higher guardrails, separation from traffic, etc., do not need retrofitting at a later date.
