Reduced Conflict Intersections
What are they?
Reduced Conflict Intersections are intersections that decrease fatalities and injuries caused by broadside crashes on four-lane divided highways. In some parts of the country, RCIs are sometimes referred to as J-turns or RCUTs.
Why do they work?
With an RCI, drivers from the side street only have to be concerned with one direction of traffic on the highway at a time. You don’t need to wait for a gap in both directions to cross a major road. Traditional four-lane divided highway intersections have an elevated risk of severe right-angle crashes (commonly called “T-bone” crashes), especially for drivers attempting to cross all four lanes of traffic or turn left. At a traditional intersection, motorists from the side street need to look in both directions to cross a four-lane divided highway. Left turns require the same level of attention.
How do they work?
In an RCI, drivers always make a right turn, followed by a U-turn. Motorists approaching divided highways from a side street are not allowed to make left turns or cross traffic; instead, they are required to turn right onto the highway and then make a U-turn at a designated median opening. This reduces potential conflict points and increases safety. Generally, the delay caused by a signal is greater than the delay caused by the RCI.
Where in Minnesota are they located?
- County Rd. 24, Willmar
- Hwy 169 and County Rd. 3, Belle Plaine
- Hwy 10 and County Rd. 8, Becker
- Hwy 169 and 173rd St., Jordan
- Hwy 212 and Hwy 284 in Cologne
- Hwy 65 and 169th Ave, Ham Lake
- Hwy 53 and County Rd. 52, Cotton
- Hwy 36 and Demontreville Trail, Lake Elmo
MnDOT also plans to build additional RCIs in the next five years in Cannon Falls, Vermillion, Zumbrota, Ramsey, Oakdale and Pequot Lakes.