JOHNSON COUNTY – Missouri Department of Transportation crews OPENED completed j-turns this week on Route 50 at the Route 131 intersection. The project began in June.
The J-turn has been proven to cut down on serious crashes that occur when drivers must cross over busy highways to get to another road. In the J-turn design, drivers merge with traffic traveling in the opposite direction of their desired destination. Gradually, drivers will merge into the left lane to prepare to make a left-hand turn in the direction they originally desired to travel. These series of gradual merges, although longer in distance, can take the same amount of time or less, while significantly reducing right angle, side crashes. J-turns have also been shown to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes. Missouri currently has 19 J-turns in action with plans for more in the future.
The Missouri Department of Transportation urges all motorists to always wear safety belts, follow posted speed limits and be alert for slowed traffic, narrowed lanes or a reduced number of lanes during construction and maintenance work. And remember, every work zone is a NO PHONE ZONE.
For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).