The design is intended to improve traffic flow by reducing signal timing phases from four to two in the main intersection.
The design is intended for intersections where large artery routes meet in an area of dense development and high pedestrian volume.
[1][2] Proponents also point to a reduction in places where accidents could occur from vehicles potentially crossing paths, as well as a low development cost compared to roundabouts or the more complex single-point urban interchange designs.
[4] This type of junction is common in Germany, where it is called a "partial at-grade intersection" (German: Teilplangleicher Verkehrsknoten).
With circular ramps built on the southwest quadrant of two expressways, the Ohashi JCT was designed in a four-leveled manner.