What is causing these issues?
It boils down to conflict points. These are instances where one direction or mode of transportation has the potential to meet another; for instance, where a left turning car crosses an oncoming car, or a right turning car sideswipes a car traveling in the same direction. Each of these conflict points not only has the potential to cause a serious safety issue, it is also an instance that drives down efficiencies along the corridor.
The diagram on the right shows a conventional intersection with every type of conflict point that can occur. Crossing (shown in white) typically cause the most serious injuries. Merging (shown in half-circle) cause more side-swipe types of crashes and diverging (shown in black) are usually caused by late decision points.
Addressing the Issues
Thankfully, several best practices have been tested to directly combat these unsafe conditions.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is committed to working closely with local businesses to rapidly deploy engineering best practices that will help make your travel along US 31W safer, more efficient, and more comfortable. We understand that the pavement condition is a critical item that needs to be addressed and KYTC is fully committed to addressing this issue as part of these improvements. We also know that safety is a big concern, so we have identified methods for eliminating some of the conflict points currently experienced along the corridor.
The solution that we are proposing effectively minimizes conflict points. The countermeasure that will be implemented is called an RCUT, or a Reduced Conflict U-Turn type intersection.
The RCUT concept is a method that safely and efficiently manages high traffic volumes at intersections with multiple approaches along a divided highway. The RCUT functions by redirecting through and left-turning traffic from the side street approach to turn right onto US 31W, proceed to the nearby U-turn and then return to its intended destination.
Improved Safety
RCUTs reduce the risk of crashes
and specifically the risk of severe
crashes such as side collisions or
T-bone type crashes.
Less Travel Time
The RCUT optimizes the capacity of
our existing roadway and reduces
wait time for left-turning traffic.
Economically Beneficial
The RCUT intersection allows
for more efficient signal timing
throughout the corridor, improving
the reliability of the corridor.
In locations across the country, utilization of the RCUTs have yielded better results across the board.
A Comparison of Existing Signalized Intersections vs. RCUTs
In the right location, the RCUT addresses issues that a signal does not.
• Traditional intersections with signals create delays for the mainline road and cause congestion.
• With RCUTs, the delays for vehicles accessing from the side streets are minimized, because they will all be making a right turn maneuver, which requires the shortest gap in traffic.
• Drivers can usually maneuver an RCUT in the same time and sometimes spend less time than waiting on a left-turn signal.
• With RCUTS, some movements are redirected at intersections, reducing the number of conflicting movements drivers need to navigate to make their maneuver.
• Installation of a RCUT reduces rear-end crash potential, the most common type of crash on US 31W. The less the main road is stopped, the less potential there is for high speed rear-end crashes.
Safety Stats
A study by North Carolina State University shows that after installation of RCUTs 46% fewer auto crashes are reported, with a 63% reduction in personal injury crashes. FHWA reports a 54% average decrease in crashes when RCUTs are employed at intersections.
Efficiency
In some states, RCUTs have reduced travel time by 20% compared to traditional intersections.
Other Information
US 31W creates the ideal setting for the RCUT to be an effective countermeasure for the crashes and travel time delays you are currently experiencing. As the project progresses, we will make sure to keep you apprised of the current status throughout the entire implementation process.
There will be continual updates on the progress of this project
online at this website: US31W.org