Lane Balance and Continuity. To have lane continuity, the number of mainline
lanes leaving the diverging nose must be equal to the number of mainline lanes approaching
the nose. The total number of lanes leaving the diverging nose (mainline lanes plus
diverging lanes) must be 1 greater than the total number of lanes approaching the nose
to obtain lane balance. The purpose of obtaining lane continuity and lane balance is
to avoid a drop lane situation.