A J-Turn, or reduced conflict intersection, is a u-turn type intersection installed on divided highways (expressways). A J-Turn requires vehicles on the side street intending to cross a divided highway or make a left turn onto the divided highway to use the u-turns installed in the divided highway median. Vehicles on the divided highway can still make a left turn or right turn at the intersection as normal.
The most common type of serious crash at a divided highway intersection is a right-angle (T-bone) crash on the far side of the intersection (as viewed from the perspective of the driver crossing the divided highway). Unfortunately, these crashes almost always result in serious injuries and even death. A traditional divided highway intersection has 30 conflict points of which eight (8) conflict points are right-angle type conflicts. A J-Turn has 24 conflict points and no right-angle type conflicts.
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Type of Conflict Point
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| Type
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Crossing
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Turning
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Merge/Diverge
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Total
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| Full Access Divided Highway Intersection
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8
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12
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10
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30
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| J-Turn (Reduced Conflict Intersection)
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4
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20
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24
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National studies show a reduction of greater than 90 percent in injury and fatal crashes after the installation of a J-Turn. The first J-Turn opened on the county highway system is located at the intersection of US-53 and CSAH 52 (Arkola Road/Comstock Lake Road) in the community of Cotton. A J-Turn will be constructed at the intersection of US-53 and CSAH 7/CR 885 (Industrial Road) in the community of Twig in 2019.
Still skeptical? Watch this video of the installation of a J-Turn on US-15 in Frederick County, Maryland:
Additional resources about J-Turns can be found on the Federal Highway Administration and Minnesota Department of Transportation websites.