Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) Intersections

An aerial view of a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) in a rural areaA Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) intersection, sometimes referred to as a J-turn or superstreet (when signalized), is a type of Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) used primarily on high speed four-lane divided highways in Wisconsin. These can be used in other situations as well and have both unsignalized and signalized versions. RCUT intersections differ from conventional intersections by rerouting left-turn and through vehicles from the side road. Motorists approaching the divided highway from the side road are required to turn right and then make a U-turn at a designated median opening.


Benefits of RCUT Intersections

  • Reduces crash potential – particularly far-side right angle crashes
  • Simplifies driving task – only required to look at one direction of traffic at a time
  • Provides additional space for longer vehicles to store in median
  • Easily retrofitted – often without purchasing additional right-of-way
  • Low cost compared to an interchange or overpass while continuing to provide access

A conventional intersection on a four-lane divided highway has 40 conflict points. Each conflict point has some level of exposure and risk which can lead to crashes. The most severe crashes typically occur when vehicles are attempting to cross or turn left on these roadways.
Diagram depicting conflict points at a conventional intersections

An RCUT intersection reduces the number and type of conflict points and simplifies driver’s decision-making. In this design, a driver focuses on one direction of traffic at a time. An RCUT intersection eliminates crossing and left turn conflicts by having the driver make a right turn first, then proceeding to a crossover location. This eliminates the conflict points with the highest risk for severe injuries, and significantly reduces the overall amount of conflict points at the intersection.

Diagram depicting number of conflict points at RCUTThe Federal Highway Administration has found that RCUT intersections reduce fatal and injury crashes by over 50% and have named them as one of its proven safety countermeasures, which is a collection of safety treatments and strategies that have been researched at a national level and found to be effective at reducing fatal and injury crashes nationwide. Similar results have been found in Wisconsin, resulting in locations experiencing over 70% reduction in fatal and injury crashes.

WisDOT primarily uses RCUT intersections on high speed four-lane divided highways. Each intersection is unique and has its own place as part of the transportation system. WisDOT considers many factors such as safety, geography, user needs and operations when considering a design of an RCUT intersection.

View a map of RCUT locations

RCUTs re-route crossing and left-turn movements from the minor roadway. To complete these movements, a driver must come to a complete stop at the minor road before turning right onto the major roadway. From there, the driver either can enter the left turn lane for the crossover intersection or perform a weaving maneuver to enter the left turn lane depending on the intersection design.

The following informational handouts provide more information on how to navigate these intersections:

Designing for different situations

RCUT with major roadway left turn lanes 

RCUT with major roadway left turn lanes

In this design, vehicles on the major roadway wanting to turn left have a dedicated left turn lane as with a conventional intersection

RCUT without major roadway left turn lanes 

RCUT without major roadway left turn lanes

In this design, the major road traffic volumes that turn left are minimal and left-turn lanes are not provided. This further reduces the amount of conflict points at the intersection. Any vehicles intending to turn left are directed to use the crossover intersection to perform a U-turn prior to completing a right-turn onto the side road.

RCUT signage 

RCUT signage and pavement markings

RCUT intersections have different signage and pavement markings compared to a conventional intersection. Wisconsin State Statute 346.31 requires a motorist to turn into the closest lane as practical, expect where signs or pavement marking direct them to turn into a specific lane. When used, RCUT signage allows a driver to turn directly into the far left turn lane in order to complete their maneuver.

Truck crossing a RCUT 

Large trucks

RCUT designs provide additional benefits for large trucks. At a conventional intersection, large trucks may have limited to no space provided in the median as drivers attempt to cross or turn-left onto the highway. These maneuvers may lead to encroachments onto the near-side lanes and could result in severe crashes. By re-routing these maneuvers, trucks are able to focus on one direction of traffic at a time and have additional storage space in the RCUT turn lanes.

RCUT design where large vehicles are common 

RCUT design where large vehicles are common

Where larger vehicles are common, some RCUT locations may be designed differently to accommodate these vehicles. In order for larger vehicles to complete their turning maneuver at the crossover location, additional pavement may be needed to allow for the wheelbase of the vehicle to turn. This additional pavement is often referred to as a loon due to its shape.

WisDOT’s RCUT projects benefit from input through public involvement processes. Project teams may host meetings and provide information through websites and social media, per departmental guidelines established in the WisDOT Facilities Development Manual. Safety is a goal in any project, and WisDOT seeks to earn public trust in the design, planning and engineering solutions. A full listing of projects in the planning and design phases can be found on the Highway Projects and Studies page.

​Contacts

Safety Information
Dan Brugman, P.E., RSP2​
WisDOT State Traffic Safety Engineer
daniel.brugman@dot.wi.gov
(715) 421-8337

Design Information
John Jenkins, P.E.
WisDOT Roadway Design Standards Engineer
john.jenkins@dot.wi.gov​
(608) 267-6975
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