Midwest Transportation Center

About the research

The J-turn, also known as restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) or superstreet, is an innovative geometric design that can improve intersection safety. Even though this design has been in use in several states for many years, there is very little research-based guidance for several design parameters.

A driving simulator study was conducted to analyze the parameters of lane configuration, U-turn spacing, and signage. Two lane configurations were examined: 1) acceleration/deceleration configuration where acceleration and deceleration lanes are provided and 2) deceleration only configuration where only deceleration lanes are provided.

Lane configuration was found to be the most important parameter affecting J-turn safety based on speed differentials. The only significant interaction effect among parameters was between lane configuration and U-turn spacing. The acceleration/deceleration configuration performed better than the deceleration only configuration with 66.3 percent fewer safety critical events. Vehicle trajectories and average lane-change locations showed that U-turn spacing impacted significantly the acceleration/deceleration configuration (i.e., average merge locations changed by 96 to 101 percent), but not the deceleration only configuration. No strong preference was demonstrated by the study subjects for either the directional or the diagrammatic signage style.

This project represents the first human factors study of the J-turn focused on developing design guidance. This human factors approach complements other traditional approaches such as crash analysis and micro-simulation.

Funding Sources:
Midwest Transportation Center
Missouri Department of Transportation ($99,207.00)
University of Missouri – Columbia ($69,272.00)
USDOT/OST-R ($99,965.00)
Total: $268,444.00

Contract Number: DTRT13-G-UTC37