Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) Intersections

A Restricted Crossing U-turn (RCUT) intersection is a type of Reduced Conflict Intersection used primarily on four-lane divided highways. RCUT intersections differ from conventional intersections by re-routing 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.

Safety issue

A conventional intersection on a four-lane divided highway has forty-two (42) conflict points. Each conflict point has some level of exposure and risk which can lead to crashes. Crossing conflicts occur between drivers within different traffic streams. These conflicts have an increased potential for right-angle crashes which often result in severe injuries. These crashes typically occur on the far side of the four-lane divided highway when a driver attempts to cross the highway or turn left onto the divided highway.

Safety design

At intersections on four-lane divided highways that are experiencing safety issues, engineers evaluate alternatives to improve safety which can include reducing conflict points. A Restricted Crossing U-turn (RCUT) intersection reduces the number and type of conflict points and simplifies a driver’s decision-making. In this design, a driver focuses on one direction of traffic at a time. Crossing conflicts are reduced from twenty-four to four which has been shown to significantly reduce right-angle crashes. A study completed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) found RCUT intersections can reduce right angle crashes by up to 75 percent (Hummer, 2010).

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

Where are they being used?

Wisconsin DOT has installed three variations of RCUT intersections with stop sign control at side road approaches.

1. ​RCUT with extended turn lanes on divided highway
   (Side road left-turn and side road through movements are re-routed)
2. RCUT with extended turn lanes on divided highway
   (Side road left-turn, side road through movements and left-turn movements from divided highway are all re-routed)
3. RCUT with non-extended turn lanes on divided highway
   (Side road left-turn and side road through movements are re-routed)

View a map of RCUT locations

1. ​​​RCUT with extended turn lanes on divided highway
   (Side road left-turn and through movements are re-routed)



​*Special signing allows for legal crossing maneuver from side road to U-turn.




Wisconsin Locations

1. WIS 54 & County U -  Portage County / Wood County - Near Wisconsin Rapids (Opened 2016) ​Video
2. US 53 & WIS 77 - Washburn County - Near Minong (Opened 2021)
3. WIS 29 & County U - Shawano County - Near Shawano (Opened 2021)


2. ​​​​RCUT with extended turn lanes on divided highway
   (Side road left-turn and through movements and left-turn movements from divided highway are re-routed)



​*Special signing allows for legal crossing maneuver from side road to U-turn.




Wisconsin Locations

1. WIS 26 & Ebenezer Rd - Jefferson County - Near Watertown/Johnson Creek (Opened 2011)
2. ​US 53 & County B - Washburn County – Near Spooner (Opened 2015)
3. US 53 & County L - Douglas County - Near Solon Springs (Opened 2018)
4. US 8 & 20th St - Barron County - Near Barron/Cameron (Opened 2020)
5. US 53 & County Y - Douglas County - Near Solon Springs (Opened 2020)
6. WIS 57 & County K - Brown County - Near Green Bay (Opened 2022)


3. ​RC​UT with non-extended turn lanes on divided highway
   (Side road left-turn and through movements are re-routed)



​Signing to direct side road vehicles to merge with traffic on divided highway before making U-turn.




Wisconsin Locations

1. ​US 53 & County B - Douglas County – Near Solon Springs (Opened 2011)
2. WIS 23 & County M - Sheboygan County – Near Sheboygan Falls (Opened 2013)
3. US 141 & Lago Vista Road - Near Stiles/Abrams (Opened 2014)
4. WIS 57 & County C - Door County – Near Brussels (Opened 2015)

*Rules of the Road – Wisconsin State Statute 346.31

​Motorists are expected to turn into the closest lane as practical except where signs or pavement markings direct them to turn into a specific lane.

How to Drive an RCUT​

​Contacts

Dan Brugman, P.E., RSP_2​
WisDOT State Traffic Safety Engineer
daniel.brugman@dot.wi.gov
(715) 421-8337