Etowah County- Motorists may experience a change in traffic patterns this week due to work to improve safety at an Etowah County intersection.
The $694,892 project to convert US-411 at Appalachian Highway near Turkeytown from a conventional intersection to a reduced conflict intersection (RCI) began in February.
The project includes construction of U-turn lanes and loons — paved areas outside the travel lane providing additional space for large vehicles to complete U-turns – on U.S. 411 north and south of Appalachian Highway. It also includes construction of right turn lanes on US-411 northbound and southbound at Appalachian Highway and improvements to turn radii on all corners of the intersection.
The contractor, Alabama Grading & Excavation, is currently modifying the median crossover of the intersection by adding concrete islands to channelize left turns from US-411 onto Appalachian Highway.
What are RCIs?
Reduced conflict intersections replace crossing and left turn movements from the minor street with a combination of right turns and U-turns. These movements significantly reduce exposure to conflicts with other vehicles. Studies have shown RCIs are effective in reducing injury and fatal crashes compared to conventional intersections.
Instead of crossing or turning left from Appalachian Highway, motorists will make a right turn onto US-411, followed at a safe distance by a U-turn. Left turns from US-411 to Appalachian Highway will still be permitted.
Curbs, striping, and other traffic control devices will channelize traffic movements. Diagrammatic signs will help motorists safely navigate the new intersection layout.
See the Video below for more information:
Best practices from the Indiana Department of Transportation have also shown significant improvements in the number of injuries and fatal crashes with RCIs.
History of improving safety
RCI modifications at several former high-crash intersections in north Alabama have drastically reduced crashes since their implementation. At some of these intersections, injury and fatal crashes dropped to or near zero. These alternative intersection designs, also known as restricted crossing U-turns (RCUTs), have also improved safety in other areas of the state.
For current traffic impacts and real-time traffic conditions, download the ALGO Traffic app or visit algotraffic.com.
