Yellowhammer Times

Contractors for the Alabama Department of Transportation have completed two Restricted Crossing U-turn (RCUT) intersections in north Alabama. In Lauderdale County, a $451,098 project with Rogers Group converted the intersection of US-43 and SR-64 in the Green Hill community north of Killen to an RCUT. In Etowah County, a $694,892 project installed an RCUT on US-411 at Appalachian Highway near Turkeytown.

The latest episode of ALDOT’s "Zero to 60" series explores the benefits of RCUT intersections and their growing presence across the state. RCUTs are a type of reduced conflict intersection (RCI) that replace crossing and left turn movements from side streets with a right turn followed by a U-turn. This design reduces exposure to vehicle conflicts.

Traffic is directed using curbs, striping, and other control devices, while diagrammatic signs guide motorists safely through the intersection. These intersections often include designated U-turn lanes and loons—paved areas outside travel lanes for large vehicles to complete U-turns.

RCUTs offer a safer alternative where traffic volumes do not justify signalization or where signals cannot be installed. They improve safety without disrupting traffic flow as signals do. Studies indicate that RCUTs effectively reduce injury and fatal crashes compared to conventional intersections. Modifications at other north Alabama intersections have significantly decreased crash rates since implementation.

Information from this article can be found here.