The Echelon interchange has specific application to arterial roadways. The Echelon interchange is unique in that there are no free-flow movements. This interchange would not be suitable on a freeway facility.

The Echelon interchange is a simple concept that uses retaining wall structures to elevate one-half the roadway on each intersection approach to meet at an elevated intersection, while the other halves intersect at-grade. The result is a symmetrical but offset pair of one-way street meetings separated by grade.

The design provides logical movements from each approach and requires little advance signing. Motorists experience the same decision processes as at an intersection of two one-way streets.

The Echelon design very is pedestrian friendly, as all pedestrian movements can be made directly on the at-grade part of the intersection, which operates under two-phase signal control. Shorter signal cycles mean shorter crossing wait times and pedestrians cross only one travel direction.

The Echelon design provides great flexibility for engineers and designers, as any one of the four through-movements and connecting ramps can be placed at-grade or elevated, depending on volume forecasts, right-of-way constraints and/or intersection geometric features (such as a rail crossing or intersection skew).