All MUT-style crossings include a companion U-turn location away from the primary intersection to complete what would ordinarily be a direct left-turn or direct through movement from the crossroad. Drivers approaching a Boulevard Left intersection from the crossroad make a left turn by first turning right, and then making a downstream U-turn. They are not used on freeways or limited-access roads of any kind. They may be used in rural or urban areas under high- or low-speed conditions and may or may not include traffic signals. // var newwindow; In June 2015, INDOT opened its first MUT intersection — a RCI — at U.S. 41 and State Road 114 in Newton County. Why has the State of Michigan adopted these? Where road and median width is not sufficient to accommodate larger vehicles, an additional pavement area is added. MUT intersections significantly reduce the risk of severe crashes in certain traffic and road conditions. RCIs eliminate the need for motorists to cross the high-speed lanes of traffic to get to the opposing lanes. A RCI has no traffic signal, only stop or yield signs. Not really. INDOT@indot.in.gov. We accomplish this by building a wider median or by providing "truck loons" (paved areas on the outside edge of the roadway across from the crossovers). In either case, all through and right-turn movements at a Boulevard Left are the same as a conventional intersection. Michigan Lefts are a type of turn common in our state. While there is often enough physical width in a crossover to turn multiple passenger cars side-by-side, that width is intended to allow large trucks to turn through the crossover - not to allow cars to line up adjacent to each other. A junction resembling a "backward jughandle" is sometimes found, allowing U … 62/Washington Street in Spencer County. In the RCI design, drivers turn right in the same direction of traffic and merge safely into the left lane to prepare to make a left turn in the direction they intended to travel. The following junction types typically permit U-turns but are not designed specifically for that purpose. The following road junction types are designed specifically to allow U-turns. Apart from the presence or non-presence of traffic signals, the two forms look and function similarly and both typically permit direct left turns from the mainline. They may be used individually or in a series along a corridor. Increased capacity, reduced delay, and fewer stops overall. Research and experience have shown that the Michigan Left relieves congestion; it increases safety by reducing the number and severity of crashes. Instead, to turn left, you must drive straight or turn right, then make a U-turn at a median crossover, guided by sign like the one at right. Others are planned where crash history, traffic volumes, and other road conditions justify the design. { Intersections of this type are common and have performed successfully in other states, notably Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and North Carolina. Indirect left-turns have been used on state routes with average traffic volumes (ADT) of between 10,000 and 100,000 vehicles per day. They are a Restricted Crossing U-turn (RCUT), Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI), and Boulevard Left. Unless delineated as a multi-lane crossover with pavement markings, a median crossover should be considered a single-lane crossover. I've noticed it may be possible to drive around another vehicle in the Michigan-left turn lane. 62/68 and S.R. While they differ in style, what these designs all share is a reduced number of conflicting traffic movements in comparison to traditional intersections, and that characteristic improves safety performance and lowers travel delay where certain traffic and site conditions are present. The Boulevard Left intersection differs from a RCUT intersection or RCI in two ways: Direct left turns from the mainline are not permitted but occur beyond the primary intersection at the U-turn, and through movements from the crossroad are permitted. This improved traffic capacity is achieved through more efficient traffic signal operation, including better phasing, timing, and progression or coordination with adjacent intersections. In the four years following the RCI installation, the intersection had just seven — a 68% reduction in total crashes and an 89% reduction in crashes involving personal injury or fatalities. One way to switch directions on a roadway is to perform a "u-turn,' in which the driver makes a sharp left turn and heads back the other way. Ideal spacing is between one quarter and three quarters of a mile. Michigan Lefts increase capacity and safety on divided roadways at all volumes. What are the maximum/minimum traffic volume requirements for the Michigan Left? Significant reduction in the risk of crashes due to a decrease in potential conflict points, particularly for angle crashes that tend to be severe. Where a Michigan Left is in place, left turns at the intersection are not allowed. Regardless of the physical width, an unmarked median crossover should always be treated as a single-lane crossover. This depends on the space available, cost, and local conditions. This represents a 67% reduction in total crashes and a 73% reduction in personal injury or fatal crashes. A RCI may permit an existing traffic signal to be removed, or may delay the need for future signal control. Do winter weather conditions affect crashes at Michigan Lefts? In the three years prior to the RCI installations, there were 21 crashes at these intersections, including 11 involving injuries or fatalities. On roadways where crossovers and Michigan Lefts have been added, crashes have been reduced 30 to 60 percent overall. Non-left-turn rear-end crashes increase by approximately 25 percent, and fixed-object crashes increase by approximately 20 percent. What about out-of-state drivers who are not used to Michigan Lefts? In a traditional intersection there are 42 different conflict points where an accident can occur. Replacement of a conventional intersection with a MUT intersection form has been shown to cut the frequency of severe crashes by 50% to 70%. How does MDOT determine where to build a Michigan Left? But since these can be dangerous in the wrong situation or wrong spot, states regulate this maneuver. MUTs are generally limited to locations where the main road has four or more through lanes divided by a median. --> Merge again into the turning lane to the far left of the side of the road on which you are driving. (That's what we call a median, for all y'all not from these parts.) In residential or light commercial areas, typical crossovers are designed for a vehicle 55 feet long with a 45' turning radius.