What do interchanges replace on expressways?

Interchanges are designed to replace intersections on expressways to improve safety and efficiency. At traditional intersections, vehicles must frequently stop or slow down, which can lead to congestion and increases the likelihood of accidents as vehicles cross paths. In contrast, interchanges enable vehicles to transition between different roadways without stopping, using ramps and bridges. This design allows traffic to flow more smoothly and reduces the potential for collisions that can occur when vehicles must yield or stop at intersections.

In addition to enhancing traffic flow, interchanges are often situated at critical points where expressways intersect with other roads, which helps manage the heavy traffic volume typical on expressways more effectively than a standard intersection would. This makes interchanges a crucial feature of modern highway systems, especially in areas with high-density traffic.