openstreetmap-americana
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ZeLonewolf
Named intersections (junctions)
In both urban and rural settings, certain intersections can have recognizable names or numbers. These are tagged junction=yes and name=*. Notable examples in the United States include:
Numbered stoplights of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee:
Rural highway intersections in the West:
Numbered stoplights should already be tagged with ref and could be rendered similarly to exit numbers: #172. I’m not sure if this treatment would look good for names, however. A solution for junction names would also benefit some toll roads like the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Named intersections make sense, but a numbered intersection? Is that something someone cares to see on a map?
The national MUTCD and some state MUTCDs have provisions for numbered intersections, but they’re only posted in some places, probably along rural roads with a lot of tourist traffic. The signage is fairly unobtrusive, just a shield-like green square, but consistency with freeway exit numbers would make some sense.
Additionally, the Saw Mill Parkway in New York has freeway-style numbered exit signs for signalized at-grade intersections:
Named intersections make sense, but a numbered intersection? Is that something someone cares to see on a map?
In the East Tennessee examples above, stoplight numbers are prominently signposted and feature heavily on local tourist maps. Residents and businesses often reference these numbers when giving directions ("turn right past light 8"). Here's one in Gatlinburg:
It would also be nice if named freeway exits/interchanges (highway=motorway_junction) were supported. They are very common throughout Europe at least. On non-freeways exits might even lack an exit number and only have a name which preferably should be rendered.
