A recent analysis of a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) intersection in Trigg County, Ky., shows a decrease in crashes, injuries and fatalities.
The RCUT, located at U.S. Highway 68 and Kentucky Highway 139, was completed in 2021. Data from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) previously featured a flashing yellow and red light that consistently proved to be one of the most dangerous in the county.
Following a fatal crash in 2020, KYTC constructed one of the first RCUT designs in the state to cut down on the number of cars passing directly across the intersection on the South Road and in turn, in front of vehicles driving east-west on U.S. 68.
While met with some criticism at the time by people who didn’t understand the design or wished for a standard traffic light to be installed, KYTC data shows the RCUT design has helped cut down on the number of crashes and people injured and killed at the intersection.
From 2017 to 2020, the intersection saw 16 crashes with seven people injured and two people killed. From 2021 to 2024, there were six crashes with two injuries and no fatalities.
R-CUTs use median crossovers to eliminate side-street left turns and eliminate multiple points of conflict where vehicles cross paths, including at right angles, which in turn reduces the risk of severe crashes.
Kyle Poat, chief district engineer, said in a statement to WKZD Radio that a national study showed RCUTs reduced crashes by 54% on average.
Poat says the Trigg County RCUT is one of 11 constructed in six counties in the highway district.
He also says RCUTs and other safer road designs such as roundabouts will continue to be a part of the state’s efforts to improve highway safety across the state.
Source: KBSI 23 News, WKZD Radio
