A 3-D structure includes a stack of active layers at different depths has a plurality of contact landing areas on respective active layers within a contact area opening. A plurality of interlayer conductors, each includes a first portion within a contact area opening extending to a contact landing area, and a second portion in part outside the contact area opening above the top active layer. The first portion has a transverse dimension Y1 that is nominally equal to the transverse dimension of the contact area opening, and the second portion having a transverse dimension Y2 that is greater than the transverse dimension of the contact area opening. The active layers can be bit lines or word lines for a 3-D memory device, or other active layers in integrated circuits.