Special freeway designs should be considered when more than four lanes in each direction are needed. Special freeway designs that may be appropriate in some urban area locations:

Refer to for more information on special freeway designs.

A reverse-flow freeway offers two distinct directions of traffic flow as well as a center section which operates in the peak flow direction during peak demand periods. This is usually accomplished by situating a separate reversible roadway within the normal median area. See for an example of a reverse-flow roadway.

A dual-divided freeway may be designed when more than eight total lanes are needed and the traffic in either direction is distributed equally. This may be a practical solution when widening an existing freeway where existing traffic volumes should not be disrupted.

One benefit is the ability to close one of the directional roadways for maintenance or construction. One disadvantage, however, is the needed width for shoulder area which may impact surrounding property and terrain. provides an example of dual-divided freeway.

For Freeways with a C-D road, see .