We live in an area where going around the block means a trip of at least two miles, and more often than not four or five miles. The government – state or national – is widening I-95, so the most direct route from here to a major highway is cut off, and the detour adds three miles to the trip. Last week, when I drove over the detour there was a flashing sign which announced the bridge would be closed as of Monday – the 7th. Marvelous. Just marvelous.
When I came home yesterday afternoon I stopped and asked one of the crew if he had any idea when ‘our’ road would be open. “Not for at least six to eight weeks, ma’am.”
“I know it’s not your fault, but closing off two parallel roads is pretty inconvenient.” For what it’s worth, those two ‘parallel roads’ around two and a half miles apart, but that’s country living for ya.
“I know. I know. We couldn’t believe they put out this contract”, he said, pointing to the equipment and clutter around him, “but that’s the State for you.”
So now, the only way to go north is to drive a mile and a half south and swing back around. Never let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.
thisendoftheswamp 
I would have thought that USA roads are on a grid block system. Sounds like our roads here, no systematic flow and if you miss a turn, you have a go one big round to find a U turn or find an alternative route to get to where you want to go.
This is true if you live in the city. I live way out in the boondocks, where most of the places are large-ish farms. About five acres or 1.5 hectares. You don’t want a road through the middle of that!
nice