The current focus on promoting sustainability in the United States transportation infrastructure has led to adopting Diverse, Modern, and Unconventional Intersections and Interchanges (DMUII) to improve traffic flow while ensuring safety. However, the adoption of DMUII designs presents challenges, including a learning curve for the public and contractors and additional time and cost compared to conventional Intersection and Interchange (CII) designs.
This research aims to identify and mitigate the inhibitors that hinder DMUII design and construction while addressing critical questions related to constructability and cost-effectiveness. To achieve these goals, multiple studies were conducted to identify inhibitors and strategies to overcome them.
I-5700 Project: Location of Bridge Structures
The identified inhibitors affecting DMUII projects were validated using four approaches that include the use of data from interviews, surveys, findings from field observations, and evaluation of claims and supplemental agreements. Additionally, a case study evaluating roadway congestion and detour operations resulting from Work Zone Traffic Control measures was undertaken, revealing the complexities of DMUII and CII projects and their implications on travel time, roadway congestion, and road user costs. Through this research, effective methods to enhance DMUII constructability were identified and these include constructability reviews, modularization, prefabrication for bridge construction, automation, staging, and 3D/4D modeling.
Findings were compiled in the form of lessons learned and best practices obtained which provide valuable insights for formulating construction strategies, facilitating the construction of DMUIIs, and addressing traffic volume challenges while ensuring safety. These findings can be implemented by transportation departments seeking to optimize DMUII performance and contribute to more sustainable transportation infrastructure.
