Seagull intersection

A seagull intersection is a common type of three-way at-grade intersection, usually used on high traffic volume roads and dual carriageways. This form of intersection is popular in Australia and New Zealand.

Design

"Note: This section refers to countries driving on the left. For countries that drive on the right, reverse left and right." Seagull intersections get their name from the pattern that the two right-turn lanes make when looking down from the air.

Seagull intersections allow one direction of traffic to travel straight through without stopping. Those wishing to turn right into the side road at the intersection simply bear right into a separate lane, which forms one 'wing' of the seagull. Here, they meet the opposite carriageway and the side road. Traffic wishing to turn right out of the side road, simply cross the intersecting carriageway and drive up the other 'wing' of the seagull, and merge onto the other carriageway.

Seagull intersections may have a second smaller seagull formed by two left turning lanes into and out of the side road.

Different methods are used to control traffic where two right-turning movements and the through movement meet. Most intersections use traffic lights, while others use Give Way and Stop signs, and sometimes roundabouts.

List of seagull interchanges

New Zealand

*Ferguson Drive - River Road - Western Hutt Road intersection, Upper Hutt.
*Western Hutt Road - Dowse Drive intersection, Lower Hutt (closed 8 December 2007 to be replaced with a grade-separated interchange).
* State Highway 1, near Porirua
* Along the Waikato Expressway

See also

*Intersection (road)
*3-way junction