How does it work?
A Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) is an intersection design where side street drivers must turn right onto a divided highway and then make a U-turn at a designated median opening, eliminating left turns or crossing traffic. While it may seem inconvenient to drive a few extra feet for a U-turn, this small change can make a significant difference in saving lives. Between 2021-2023, the RCUT at US-81 & N-91 (near Humphrey) reduced crashes by 54% and reduced fatalities and injuries by 96%.
Why does it work?
By enhancing safety! RCUT intersections significantly reduce the potential for crashes by allowing drivers to navigate through one lane of traffic at a time. They cut down vehicle conflict points by over 40%, and if crashes occur, they are generally less severe than at conventional intersections. RCUTs have 43% fewer injury crashes than signalized intersections.
RCUTs have been successfully implemented in several states and are often a more cost-effective solution for highways that would otherwise require signalized intersections, grade-separated interchanges, or access restriction. RCUTs cost 90% less than an interchange.
In a typical four-lane divided highway, there are 42 conflict points (locations where vehicle paths intersect), but RCUTs reduce this number to 24. Drivers only need to focus on one direction of traffic at a time, eliminating the need to wait for a gap in both directions. Crossing conflict points (where vehicles move in opposite directions) are the most dangerous and account for the most severe crashes, such as right-angle or “T-bone” collisions. By reducing these high-risk crossing points, RCUTs significantly lower the chances of severe crashes.
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Benefits
Shorter wait times and reduced congestion: Right-turn-only movements from side street vehicles minimize delays. This also reduces queuing, as vehicles on the minor road don’t need to wait for gaps in both directions.
Cost-Effective: Relative to many other improvements, RCUTs are a low-cost treatment that can be quickly implemented, requires minimal to no property acquisition or relocation of homes and businesses, and minimizes environmental impacts.
Educate Young Drivers
NDOT’s Public Involvement team educates communities, including students, about RCUTs as part of their outreach efforts—helping ensure that young drivers, who are still gaining experience, know how to safely use them. Teaching your teen now can prevent confusion and keep them safer on the road. Have questions? NDOT can visit your school to provide more information and answer any questions.
Nebraska RCUT Locations:
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Driving an RCUT
The videos and images below provide an illustrated guide on navigating a restricted crossing U-turn safely and properly.
