FHWA-SA-21-030

Reduced Left-Turn 

Conflict Intersections

Reduced left-turn conflict intersections are geometric designs that alter how 

left-turn movements occur. These intersections simplify decision-making for 

drivers and minimize the potential for higher severity crash types, such as 

head-on and angle. Two highly effective designs that rely on U-turns to 

complete certain left-turn movements are known as the Restricted Crossing 

U-turn (RCUT) and the Median U-turn (MUT).

Restricted Crossing U-turn 

The RCUT intersection, also known 

as a J-Turn, Superstreet, or Reduced 

Conflict Intersection, modifies 

the direct left-turn and through 

movements from cross-street 

approaches. Minor road traffic makes 

a right turn followed by a U-turn at a 

designated location—either signalized 

or unsignalized—to continue in 

the desired direction. The RCUT is 

suitable for and adaptable to a wide 

variety of circumstances, ranging 

from isolated rural, high-speed 

locations to urban and suburban 

high-volume, multimodal corridors. 

It is a competitive and less costly 

alternative to constructing an 

interchange. RCUTs work well 

when consistently used along 

a corridor, but also can be 

used effectively at individual 

intersections. Studies have 

shown that installing an RCUT 

can result in a 30-percent 

increase in throughput and a 

40-percent reduction in network

intersection travel time.1 

Median U-turn 

The MUT intersection modifies 

direct left turns from the major 

approaches. Vehicles proceed 

through the main intersection, 

make a U-turn a short distance 

downstream, followed by a right 

turn at the main intersection. 

The U-turns can also be used for 

modifying the cross-street left turns, 

similar to the RCUT.

The MUT is an excellent choice for 

intersections with heavy through 

traffic and moderate left-turn 

volumes. Studies have shown a 

20- to 50-percent improvement in

intersection throughput for various

lane configurations as a result of

implementing the MUT design. When

implemented at multiple intersections

along a corridor, the efficient twophase signal operation of the MUT

can reduce delay, improve travel

times, and create more crossing

opportunities for pedestrians and

bicyclists.

Example of a MUT intersection. Source: FHWA 

Safety Benefits:

RCUT

Two-Way 

Stop-Controlled to RCUT: 

54%

reduction in fatal 

and injury crashes.2 

Signalized Intersection 

to Signalized RCUT: 

22%

reduction in fatal 

and injury crashes.3 

Unsignalized Intersection 

to Unsignalized RCUT: 

63%

reduction in fatal and 

injury crashes. 4

MUT

30%

reduction in intersectionrelated injury crash rate.5

Example of a unsignalized RCUT intersection. 

Source: FHWA 

3

1 2

1 Hugher and Jagannathan. Restricted Crossing U-Turn Intersection. FHWA-HRT-09-059, (2009). 

2 (CMF ID: 5556) Edara et al. Evaluation of J-turn Intersection Design Performance in Missouri. MoDOT, (2013).

3 (CMF ID: 9985) Hummer and Rao. Safety Evaluation of a Signalized Restricted Crossing U-Turn. 

FHWA-HRT-17-082, (2017).

4 (CMF ID: 4884) Hummer et al. Superstreet Benefits and Capacities. FHWA/NC/2009-06, 

NC State University, (2010).

5 (CMF ID: 10867) Synthesis of the Median U-Turn Treatment, Safety, and Operational Benefits, 

FHWA-HRT-07-033, (2007).

OFFICE OF SAFETY

Proven Safety 

Countermeasures

For more information on this 

and other FHWA Proven Safety 

Countermeasures, please visit 

https://highways.dot.gov/safety/

proven-safety-countermeasures 

and https://highways.dot. 

gov/safety/intersectionsafety/intersection-types/ 

reduced-left-turn-conflictintersections.