Editing Michigan left

{{Short description|Type of intersection}}
{{for|the Arkells album|Michigan Left (album)}}
{{Hatnote|This article reflects countries that [[right- and left-hand traffic|drive on the right]]. For countries that drive on the left, reverse right and left.}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
[[File:Median U-turn crossover on wide median.gif|thumb|Standard design on a wide median<ref name=FHWA1/>]]
[[File:Michigan Left.svg|thumb|Stylized depiction of the design in [[Grand Haven, Michigan|Grand Haven]], Michigan, at [[U.S. Route 31 in Michigan|US&nbsp;31]] and Robbins Road (north to the right), showing the additional area necessary to make a turn on a narrow median<ref name=FHWA1/> {{coord|43|2|40.18|N|86|13|12.57|W|name=US 31 at Robbins Road, Grand Haven, Michigan|dim:100}}]]

A '''Michigan left''' or '''P-turn''' is an [[at-grade intersection]] design that replaces each left (farside) turn at an intersection between a (major) [[divided highway|divided roadway]] and a secondary (minor) roadway with the combination of a right (nearside) turn followed by a U-turn, or a U-turn followed by a right (nearside) turn, depending on the situation.  It is in use in numerous countries.

==Terminology==
This intersection design was given the name "Michigan left" due to its frequent use along roads and highways in the U.S. state of [[Michigan]] since the late 1960s.<ref name="MDOT">{{cite web |author = Michigan Department of Transportation |author-link = Michigan Department of Transportation |url = http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9615_44557-161777--,00.html |title = Michigan Lefts |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |date = July 19, 2010 |access-date = December 20, 2010 }}</ref> In other contexts, the intersection is called a '''median U{{non breaking hyphen}}turn crossover''' or '''median U{{non breaking hyphen}}turn,''' or '''restricted crossing U-turn''' ('''RCUT''').<ref name=FHWA1>{{cite web |author = Federal Highway Administration |author-link = Federal Highway Administration |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |url = http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/04091/10.htm#1022 |title = Alternative Intersection Treatments |work = Signalized Intersections: Informational Guide |date = August 2004 |access-date = August 1, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090510121808/http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/04091/10.htm#1022 |archive-date = May 10, 2009 }}</ref><ref name=FHWA2014>{{cite web |author = Federal Highway Administration |author-link = Federal Highway Administration |title = Median U-Turn Intersection Informational Guide |url = https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/alter_design/pdf/fhwasa14069_mut_infoguide.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150423235547/http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/alter_design/pdf/fhwasa14069_mut_infoguide.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-date = April 23, 2015 |date = August 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author = North Carolina State University |author-link = North Carolina State University |url = http://www.ncsu.edu/ncsu/univ_relations/news_services/press_releases/99_08/231.htm |title = Unconventional Left-Turn Lanes Reduce Traffic Accidents, Congestion |publisher = North Carolina State University |date = August 1, 1999 |access-date = December 20, 2010 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070325180705/http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/univ_relations/news_services/press_releases/99_08/231.htm |archive-date = March 25, 2007 }}</ref> The design is also sometimes referred to as a '''boulevard left''',<ref>{{ cite web |author = Indiana Department of Transportation |author-link = Indiana Department of Transportation | url = http://www.in.gov/indot/3392.htm | title = Traffic Operations: Median U-Turns | publisher = Indiana Department of Transportation | access-date = June 24, 2017 }}</ref> a '''boulevard turnaround''',<ref>{{cite web |author = City of Farmington Hills, Michigan |author-link = Farmington Hills, Michigan |url = http://www.ci.farmington-hills.mi.us/egov/docs/1098972815_561889.pdf |title = Minutes, Planning Commission Public Hearing, September 20, 2001 |publisher = City of Farmington Hills, Michigan |date = October 18, 2001 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210837/http://www.ci.farmington-hills.mi.us/egov/docs/1098972815_561889.pdf |archive-date = September 27, 2007 |access-date = August 1, 2011 }}</ref> an '''indirect left turn''',<ref name="MDOT"/><ref>{{cite press release |first = Jocelyn |last = Hall |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |title = M-20 Traffic Restrictions at Leaton Road Starting Sept. 23 |url = https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9620_11057-365110--,00.html |date = September 18, 2015 |access-date = February 4, 2019 |quote = Indirect left turns, or Michigan Lefts, near the intersection will be available. }}</ref> a '''Michigan loon''',<ref name=FHWA2>{{cite magazine |last1 = Hughes |first1 = Warren |last2 = Chappell |first2 = Debra |last3 = Chen |first3 = Shyuan-Ren (Clayton) |publisher = Federal Highway Administration |url = http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/resources/fhwasa06016/chap_6.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090830102537/http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/resources/fhwasa06016/chap_6.htm |url-status = dead |archive-date = August 30, 2009 |title = Geometric Design Treatments |magazine = Innovative Intersection Safety Improvement Strategies and Management Practices: A Domestic Scan |date = January 2005 |access-date = August 17, 2013 }}</ref> a '''J{{non breaking hyphen}}turn''',<ref>{{cite press release |author = Mississippi Department of Transportation |url = https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/news_release_view/1079 |title = J-Turn Intersections Implemented Across State (Video) |publisher = Mississippi Department of Transportation |date = June 23, 2022 |access-date = June 23, 2022 }}</ref> '''P{{non breaking hyphen}}turn''' or a '''"ThrU Turn" intersection'''.<ref name= thruturn/><ref name=FHWA3>{{ cite web | last1 = Doctor | first1 = Mark | last2 = Shaw | first2 = Jeff | last3 = Merritt | first3 = George | publisher = Federal Highway Administration | url = https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/ | type = PDF | title = Intersection and Interchange Geometrics | work = Every Day Counts 2 Spring Virtual Summits - 21st Century Solutions | date = April 4, 2013 | access-date = August 17, 2013 }}</ref>

==Description==
[[File:MichiganLeftSigns.png|thumb|Two versions of signs posted along an intersecting road or street at an intersection.<br/>'''Top:''' most commonly used; state of Michigan standard.<ref>{{cite web |author = Michigan Department of Transportation, Traffic and Safety division |url = https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/TSSD/tssdHome.htm |title = Standard Highway Signs: Route Marker Signs |page = 101 |date = 2012 }} Sign M8-5.</ref><br/>'''Bottom:''' lesser-used variant.]]

The design occurs at [[intersection (road)|intersection]]s where at least one road is a [[divided highway]] or [[boulevard]], and left turns onto—and usually from—the divided highway are prohibited. In almost every case, the divided highway is multi-laned in both directions. When on the secondary road, drivers are directed to turn right. Within {{convert|1/4|mi|m}}, they queue into a designated [[Turnaround (road)|U-turn (or cross-over) lane]] in the [[median (road)|median]]. When traffic clears they complete the [[U-turn]] and go back through the intersection. Additionally, the U-turn lane is designed for one-way traffic.

Similarly, traffic on the divided highway cannot turn left at an intersection with a cross street. Instead, drivers are instructed to "overshoot" the intersection, go through the U-turn lane, come back to the intersection from the opposite direction, and turn right.

When vehicles enter the cross-over area, unless markings on the ground indicate two turning lanes in the cross-over, drivers form one lane.  A cross-over with two lanes is designed at high-volume cross-overs, or when the right lane turns onto an intersecting street. In this case, the right lane is reserved for vehicles completing the design.  Most crossovers must be made large enough for semi-trailer trucks to complete the crossover.  This large cross-over area often leads to two vehicles incorrectly lining up at a single cross-over.

A Michigan left generally allows through traffic on the minor crossroads to proceed straight across the major road or highway, especially on the more heavily traveled minor roads.

Its design also is promoted as part of the Federal Highway Administration's [[Every Day Counts initiative]] which started in 2011.<ref>{{cite book |first1 = Bastian |last1 = Schroeder |first2 = Chris |last2 = Cunningham |first3 = Brian |last3 = Ray |first4 = Andy |last4 = Daleiden |first5 = Pete |last5 = Jenior |first6 = Julia |last6 = Knudsen |date = August 2014 |title = Diverging Diamond Interchange Informational Guide |url = https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/29474/dot_29474_DS1.pdf?download-document-submit=Download |location = Washington, DC |publisher = Federal Highway Administration Office of Safety }}</ref>

==Variations==
===Narrow median===
When the median of a road is too narrow to allow for a standard Michigan left maneuver, a variation can be used that widens the pavement in the opposite direction of travel. This widened pavement is known as a "bulb out"<ref name=thruturn/> or a "loon" (from the pavement's aerial resemblance to the [[loon|aquatic bird]]).<ref name= FHWA2/> Such a design is sometimes referred to as a ''Michigan loon''; in [[Utah]], as a ''thrU turn'', where one passes ''through'' the intersection before a ''U-turn''.<ref name=thruturn/>

===Grade separation===
In [[Guadalajara, Mexico]], there is a grade-separated variation of this setup at the intersection of Mariano Otero Avenue and Manuel Gómez Morín Beltway ({{coord|20.630666|-103.434981|dim:100|display=inline}}).<ref>{{google maps |url = https://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=20.630666,-103.434981&spn=0.003695,0.006899&t=k&z=17 |title = Mariano Otero Avenue and Manuel Gómez Morín Beltway, Guadalajara |access-date = December 20, 2010 |link = no }}</ref> [[Traffic flow]]ing through Mariano Otero Avenue is routed onto an overpass above the beltway, with two access roads allowing right turns in all four possible directions; the U-turns, meanwhile, are built underneath the beltway and allow the left turn movements from Mariano Otero Avenue to the beltway.

===Superstreet===
{{main article|Superstreet}}
A variation of the Michigan left that prohibits through traffic on minor roads from crossing the major road or highway, is most commonly called a superstreet or a "restricted crossing U{{nbh}}turn" (RCUT).<ref name=FHWA-RCUT>{{cite web |author = Federal Highway Administration |author-link = Federal Highway Administration |title = Restricted Crossing U-Turn Intersection Informational Guide |url = https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/alter_design/pdf/fhwasa14070_rcut_infoguide.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150424161246/http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/alter_design/pdf/fhwasa14070_rcut_infoguide.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-date = April 24, 2015 |page = 10 |date = August 2014 }}</ref> In contrast to the standard Michigan left, left turns from the major road or highway to minor roads are usually allowed, although there is a variation that prohibits such turns.

==Examples==
===Angola===
The capital city of Angola, [[Luanda]], makes widespread use of a simplified variant of this type of intersection on its two- and three-lane, median-separated throughways instead of using traffic lights. Larger junctions use this intersection type instead of much more costly grade-separated interchanges.

===Australia===
In Australia, where traffic drives on the left, the [[Victoria (Australia)|Victorian]] state government in 2009 introduced the "P-turn", similar to the Michigan left, at the intersection of [[Moorooduc Highway]] ([[list of road routes in Victoria#C701 to C794|C777]]) and Cranbourne-Frankston Road ([[list of road routes in Victoria (numeric)#Melbourne|State Route 4]]) in the southeastern [[Melbourne]] suburb of [[Frankston, Victoria|Frankston]]. This requires right-turning vehicles to turn left then make a U-turn. As of May 2015, local residents had called for its removal.<ref>{{cite news | last1 = Carton | first1 = Donna |last2 = Morris | first2 = Deborah | newspaper = [[Leader Community Newspapers|Frankston Standard Leader]] | url = http://frankston-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/p-turn-to-shut-frankston-residents-out-of-their-street/ |title = P-turn to shut Frankston residents out of their street | date = March 2, 2009 | access-date = December 20, 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121118030747/http://frankston-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/p-turn-to-shut-frankston-residents-out-of-their-street/ | archive-date = November 18, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/roads-minister-luke-donnellan-says-frankstons-pturn-will-remain/news-story/1c18d94bce9d9d925509f8f2947f8c26 |title = Roads Minister Luke Donnellan says Frankston's P-turn will remain |first = Christian |last = Tatman |newspaper = [[Leader Community Newspapers|Frankston Standard Leader]] |date = May 15, 2015 |access-date = January 7, 2016 }}</ref>

On April 16, 2018, a P-turn was introduced at the intersection of [[Hoddle Highway|Hoddle Street]] ([[list of road routes in Victoria (numeric)#Melbourne|State Route 29]]) and Johnston Street ([[list of road routes in Victoria (numeric)#Melbourne|State Route 34]]) in [[Abbotsford, Victoria]]. Another P-turn was added in 2019 at the intersection of the [[Hoddle Highway|Punt Road]] section of State Route 29 and [[Swan Street]] ([[list of road routes in Victoria (numeric)#Melbourne|State Route 20]]) in [[Richmond, Victoria|Richmond]].<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-17/p-turn-hoddle-street-punt-road-in-melbourne-victoria/10903050 |title = Melbourne gets another P-turn with Swan Street changes |work = ABC News |date = March 17, 2019 |access-date = September 11, 2020 }}</ref>

===Brazil===
The Michigan left is a commonly used design in Brazil especially in [[São Paulo]] and [[Paraná (state)|Paraná]].

===Canada===
In [[Ottawa]], Ontario, a Michigan left exists to proceed from [[Bank Street (Ottawa)|Bank Street]] to [[Riverside Drive (Ottawa)|Riverside Drive]] in both directions.

The design has been proposed in [[Toronto]], Ontario, to relieve motorists who wish to make a left-turn on roadways that will contain a proposed streetcar line by the [[Transit City]] project.

A Michigan left exists in [[Windsor, Ontario]], on Huron Church Road, just north of the [[E.C. Row Expressway]], where a narrow-median variant put in place years ago is now seldom used due to the realignment of the expressway in conjunction with the construction of the [[Herb Gray Parkway]].

In [[Saskatoon]], Saskatchewan, a Michigan left pairing exists on [[8th Street East (Saskatoon)|8th Street]], just west of its interchange with [[Circle Drive]], as well as a few other U-turn lanes as one heads westbound.

In [[London, Ontario]], a Michigan left was constructed in 2025 at [[Highbury Avenue|Highbury Ave]] and [[Oxford Street (London, Ontario)|Oxford St]] as part of the [[East London Link]] Bus [[Rapid Transit (London, Ontario)|Rapid Transit]] project.

===Hong Kong===
This is the design at some busy junctions in Hong Kong where traffic drives on the left. In Hong Kong Island examples include the junction of [[Fleming Road]] and [[Harbour Road]] in [[Wan Chai North]], and the junction of Hennessey Road and [[Canal Road Flyover]] in [[Wong Nai Chung]]. In [[Kowloon]] this design exists between Cheong Wan Road and Hong Chong Road/[[Salisbury Road]].

===Philippines===
[[File:03333jfBarangay Bayanihan Boni Serrano Katipuan Avenue Quezon Cityfvf 22.jpg|thumb|A no left-turn scheme at the intersection of [[Bonny Serrano Avenue]] and [[Katipunan Avenue]] (part of [[Circumferential Road 5]]) in [[Quezon City]], [[Metro Manila]]]]
In the [[Philippines]], the [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] (MMDA) under [[Bayani Fernando]] implemented a "no left-turn" scheme in the early 2000s along several major roads in Metro Manila, prohibiting motor vehicle traffic from turning left at intersections and instead requiring them to make a [[U-turn]] at designated U-turn slots and making a right turn after. The scheme was designed to mimic the Michigan left turn design by creating continuous traffic, mitigating bottlenecks caused by traffic light signals.<ref name="Villarete2014UTurns" /> The MMDA claimed that its "no left-turn" scheme in addition to its [[No Contact Apprehension Policy]] and road obstruction clearing campaign has increased the average travel speed along major thoroughfares from {{convert|14.5|kph|mph|sp=us|abbr=on}} in July 2001 to {{convert|17.37|kph|mph|sp=us|abbr=on}} in June 2003.<ref name="Clapano2003MMDA">{{Cite news |last=Clapano |first=Jose |date=June 15, 2003 |title=Jaworski to Bayani: Have a heart |work=[[The Philippine Star]] |url=https://www.philstar.com/metro/2003/06/15/210183/jaworski-bayani-have-heart |access-date=January 8, 2023}}</ref>

However, the implementation of the "no left-turn" scheme in Metro Manila was controversial, as it was notorious among motorists for causing longer travel distances due to having to navigate to the nearest U-turn slot and for incidents of motorists missing their U-turn slot due to difficulties navigating to it safely. Several academic studies were also made on the "no left-turn" scheme, summarizing that the scheme induces longer travel time and only works with low car inflow and minimal lane changing maneuvers, with the U-turn slots eventually becoming congested themselves.<ref name="Villarete2014UTurns">{{Cite news |last=Villarete |first=Nigel |date=July 17, 2014 |title=Understanding U-turn slots |work=[[The Philippine Star]] |url=https://www.philstar.com/test-microsite-clone/2014/07/17/1347190/understanding-u-turn-slots |access-date=January 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chanco |first=Boo |date=August 24, 2007 |title=The U-turns of Bayani Fernando |work=[[The Philippine Star]] |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2007/08/24/15003/u-turns-bayani-fernando |access-date=January 8, 2023}}</ref> Since then, many of these U-turn slots were closed and left-turning at most intersections was restored, although some still{{clarify timeframe|date=December 2024<!--this content appeared here in January 2023 -->}} remain along roads such as [[EDSA]], [[Quezon Avenue]], and [[Circumferential Road 5]].{{cn|date=December 2024}}

===Mexico===
U-turn intersections are very common throughout Mexico, particularly in Mexico City.

===United Kingdom===
A similar style P-turn is used in the junction of the [[A4 road (England)|A4 Great West Road]] and A3002 [[Boston Manor]] Road in [[Brentford]], England.

===United States===
In 2013, Michigan lefts were installed in [[Alabama]] for the first time, in several locations along heavily traveled [[U.S. Route 280]] in metro [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2013/09/michigan_left_u-turn_along_us.html |first = Mike |last = Smith |work = [[The Birmingham News]] |date = September 5, 2013 |title = US&nbsp;280: 'Michigan Left' U-turn at Valleydale Scheduled to Be in Effect for Friday Morning Commute (animation) }}</ref>

[[Tucson, Arizona]], began introducing Michigan lefts in 2013, at Ina/Oracle and on Grant Road. Their reception has been mixed.<ref>{{cite web |title = Little Love for Michigan Left |url = http://azstarnet.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/little-love-for-michigan-left/article_d0dc7114-c46d-5f52-9d65-90723c50de19.html |work = [[Arizona Daily Star]] |date = October 14, 2013 |access-date = March 3, 2014 }}</ref>

[[Indianapolis, Indiana]], introduced the Michigan Left in 2013 at the intersection of 96th Street, and Allisonville Road (near the surrounding cities of [[Fishers, Indiana]]). The city has announced plans to tear out the Michigan Left due to its unpopularity amongst the locals. <ref>{{cite web |title = Fishers does U-turn on Michigan Left |url = https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/2022/02/23/fishers-indiana-traffic-does-u-turn-michigan-left-replace-roundabout-96th-street-allisonville-road/6850112001/ |work = [[Indy Star]] |date = February 22, 2022 | access-date = May 15, 2023 }}</ref>

In November 2018, the [[Ada County Highway District]] completed work on a ThrU-turn intersection at the State Street/Veterans Memorial Parkway/36th Street intersection in [[Boise, Idaho]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_intersection_state-streetveterans-memorial-parkway36th-street-intersection.aspx |title = State Street/Veterans Memorial Parkway/36th Street Intersection |publisher = [[Ada County Highway District]] |access-date = March 11, 2019 }}</ref>

The design is relatively common in [[New Orleans, Louisiana]], and its suburb [[Metairie, Louisiana|Metairie]], where city boulevards may be split by [[streetcar]] tracks,<ref>{{google maps |url = https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Carrollton,+New+Orleans,+LA&hl=en&ll=29.955901,-90.120418&spn=0.002471,0.002205&sll=39.739318,-89.266507&sspn=12.697424,18.061523&oq=Carrolton+New+Orlenas&hnear=Uptown%2FCarrollton,+New+Orleans,+Orleans,+Louisiana&t=h&z=19 |title = S Claiborne Ave and S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans |access-date = May 17, 2013}}</ref> and suburban thoroughfares are often split by drainage canals.<ref>{{google maps |url = https://maps.google.com/maps?q=2401+Cleary+Ave,+Metairie,+LA+to+3800+W+Napoleon+Ave,+Metairie,+LA&saddr=2401+Cleary+Ave,+Metairie,+LA&daddr=3800+W+Napoleon+Ave,+Metairie,+LA&hl=en&ll=29.994465,-90.170575&spn=0.006532,0.011362&sll=29.996911,-90.171522&sspn=0.003266,0.005681&geocode=FSa0yQEdOReg-imv7g9tarAghjFEnpOMK3TZbQ%3BFYynyQEddCWg-ilNhyM1a7AghjF3LjLlz0QwPw&t=v&z=17 |title = W Metairie Avenue and Cleary Avenue, Metairie |access-date = February 1, 2013 |link = no }}</ref> Some intersections using this design are signed similarly to those in Michigan, but with more descriptive text;<ref>{{google maps |SV = yes |link = no |url = https://maps.google.com/maps?q=w+metairie+at+cleary&hl=en&ll=29.980978,-90.170153&spn=124.282974,186.152344&sll=29.981112,-90.170167&sspn=167.479936,12.304688&t=w&hnear=W+Metairie+Ave+%26+Cleary+Ave,+Metairie,+Jefferson,+Louisiana+70001&z=3&layer=c&panoid=jlxUuk60MjD5Mdqi3DuIFQ&cbll=29.980978,-90.170153&cbp=13,-337.62599810014143,,2,2.578310078088748 |title = W Metairie Avenue near Cleary Avenue, Metairie |date = February 2022 |access-date = March 11, 2023 }}</ref> however, in some cases the only signage is "No Left Turn" and drivers are left to figure it out for themselves.<ref>{{google maps |SV = yes |link = no |url = https://maps.google.com/maps?q=new+orleans&hl=en&ll=29.955846,-90.120396&spn=0.002471,0.002205&sll=39.739318,-89.266507&sspn=12.697424,18.061523&t=h&hnear=New+Orleans,+Orleans,+Louisiana&z=19&layer=c&cbll=29.955765,-90.120477&panoid=sM2HQMZS1otSwvEib620Hg&cbp=12,38.47,,1,11.44 |title = Northbound on S Carrollton Ave at S Claiborne Ave, New Orleans |date = January 2021 |access-date = March 11, 2023 }}</ref>

Since the redevelopment of the intersection between [[Maryland Route 193|University Boulevard (MD&nbsp;193)]] and [[U.S. Route 29 in Maryland|Colesville Road (US&nbsp;29)]] in [[Silver Spring, Maryland]], a Michigan left has been used to increase efficiency of traffic through an otherwise underdeveloped and congested intersection. Due to its proximity to the [[Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway)|Capital Beltway]], heavy traffic is handled more safely and efficiently.{{citation needed|date=January 2015}}

The [[Michigan Department of Transportation]] first used the modern design at the intersection of [[8 Mile Road]] ([[M-102 (Michigan highway)|M-102]]) and Livernois Avenue<ref>{{cite news |url = http://michiganradio.org/post/revisiting-origin-michigan-left |title = Revisiting the Origin of the 'Michigan Left' |date = September 15, 2014 |publisher = Michigan Radio |access-date = November 26, 2017 }}</ref> ({{coord|42.4461|-83.141|dim:100|display=inline|name=M-102 (8 Mile Road) at Livernois Avenue}})<ref>{{google maps |url= https://www.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=9417278533163545110,42.446056,-83.143333%3B12947123426163699680,42.446277,-83.139300&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=8+Mile+Rd+W+%4042.446056,+-83.143333&daddr=Gardendale+St+%4042.446277,+-83.139300+to:42.446974,-83.142117&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=17&via=1&sll=42.446222,-83.141688&sspn=0.003974,0.008669&ie=UTF8&ll=42.445731,-83.142042&spn=0.003974,0.008669&t=h&z=17&om=1 |title= 8 Mile Road and Livernois Avenue}}</ref> in [[Detroit]] in the early 1960s. The increase in traffic flow and reduction in accidents was so dramatic (a 30–60% decrease<ref>{{cite news |first = Quinn |last = Klinefelter |date = October 5, 2015 |url = https://wdet.org/posts/2015/10/05/81693-curiosid-where-did-the-michigan-left-come-from/ |title = CuriosiD: Where Did the Michigan Left Come From? |location = Detroit |publisher = [[WDET-AM]] |access-date = November 25, 2017 }}</ref>) that over 700 similar intersections have been deployed throughout the state since then.<ref name=sweeney>{{cite news |first = Kate |last = Sweeney |url = http://www.northbrunswickmagazine.com/the-michigan-left-superstreet-heading-eastbound-a-midwestern-traffic-pattern-takes-a-detour-to-north-brunswick-county/ |title = The Michigan Left Superstreet: Heading Eastbound: A Midwestern traffic pattern takes a detour to North Brunswick County |work = North Brunswick Magazine |access-date = November 26, 2017 }}</ref> Michigan keeps building Michigan lefts where the opportunity presents itself, completing a rebuild of a dangerous stretch of highway ([[US 131]] in [[Three Rivers, Michigan|Three Rivers]] in 2021).<ref>{{cite press release |first  = Nick |last = Schirripa |date = March 17, 2020 |title =  Final Season of US&nbsp;131 Reconstruction in Three Rivers Starts Monday |url =  https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-29907-521963--,00.html#:~:text=March%2017,%202020%20--%20The%20Michigan%20Department%20of,US-131%20through%20Three%20Rivers%20in%20St.%20Joseph%20County |publisher = Michigan Department of Transportation |access-date = October 21, 2021 }}</ref>

[[North Carolina]] has been implementing Michigan lefts along [[U.S. Route 17 in North Carolina|US 17]] in the southeastern part of the state, outside [[Wilmington, North Carolina|Wilmington]].<ref name=sweeney/> In 2015, a Michigan left was constructed at the intersection of Poplar Tent Road and Derita Road in the [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]] suburb of [[Concord, North Carolina|Concord]].{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}

[[Columbus, Ohio]] introduced a Michigan left at the intersection of [[Ohio State Route 161|SR 161]] and Strawberry Farms Boulevard in 2012.

At least two Michigan lefts have existed in [[Texas]]. One was located at the intersection of Fondren Road and [[Bellaire Boulevard]] in [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] from the 1980s through 2007, when it was replaced with conventional left-turn lanes. Another was built in mid-2010 in [[Plano, Texas|Plano]] at the intersection of Preston Road and Legacy Drive.<ref>{{cite news |title = Officials Worry that 'Michigan Left Turn' at Plano Intersection Will Confuse Drivers |date = March 23, 2010 |first = Theodore |last = Kim |url = http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/transportation/stories/032210dnmetplanointersection.1d1c3fcce.html |newspaper = [[Dallas Morning News]] |access-date = December 20, 2010 }}</ref> In January 2014, the city announced plans to revert the turn to a traditional intersection as a result of drivers' confusion.{{citation needed|date=March 2014}} A section of State Highway 71 east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at FM 973 in Austin, Texas did have a signalized Michigan U-turn that was constructed in 2014—this was a temporary fix until the SH71 tollway over SH130 (including the re-routing of FM973) was completed in early 2016.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} There are multiple Michigan left turns currently being used along US 281 north of Loop 1604 in San Antonio. These were adopted as a short-term solution for traffic issues as development expanded north, but will likely be phased out as US 281 is elevated.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}

In 2024, Virginia instituted a Michigan turn at the intersection of Fredericksburg Rd. and US 29 in Greene County.

The city of [[Draper, Utah]], a suburb of [[Salt Lake City]], announced in 2011 that it would be building Utah's first "ThrU Turn" at the intersection of 12300 South and State Street, just off [[Interstate 15 in Utah|Interstate 15]] through Salt Lake County. Construction began in summer 2011 and was completed in fall 2011.<ref name=thruturn>{{cite web |author = Utah Department of Transportation |author-link = Utah Department of Transportation |url = http://www.udot.utah.gov/thruturn/index.php |title = Overview |work = Thru Turn Intersection |publisher = Utah Department of Transportation |access-date = September 24, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120623172608/http://www.udot.utah.gov/thruturn/index.php |archive-date = June 23, 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{ cite news | title = Newfangled Intersection to Open Monday in Draper | last = Davidson | first = Lee | url = http://www.sltrib.com/politics/52896856-90/5400-design-draper-intersection.html.csp | newspaper = [[The Salt Lake Tribune]] | date = November 11, 2011 | access-date = August 17, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite news | title = U-Turns Replace Left Turns at Draper intersection | url = http://www.abc4.com/content/news/slc/story/U-turns-replace-left-turns-at-Draper-intersection/f0QBeB3vL0C3Msn9GjNnXg.cspx | publisher = [[KTVX]] | date = November 14, 2011 | access-date = August 17, 2013 }}</ref> Other similar intersections were implemented in [[South Jordan, Utah|South Jordan]]<ref>{{cite news |title = 'Thru Turn' in Effect at Bangerter and 7800 South Intersection |url = http://www.westjordanjournal.com/pages/full_story/9851/ |newspaper = West Jordan Journal |access-date = June 11, 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130209212603/http://www.westjordanjournal.com/pages/full_story/9851/ |archive-date = February 9, 2013 }}</ref> and [[Layton, Utah|Layton]].<ref>{{cite web |author = Utah Department of Transportation |title = Layton Improved UDOT Open House Presentation |url = http://www.udot.utah.gov/LaytonImproved/ |publisher = Utah Department of Transportation |access-date = March 3, 2014 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140701231914/http://www.udot.utah.gov/LaytonImproved/ |archive-date = July 1, 2014 }}</ref>

==Applicable traffic studies==
This type of intersection configuration, as with any engineered solution to a traffic problem, carries with it certain advantages and disadvantages and has been subject to several studies.

Studies have shown a major reduction in left-turn collisions and a minor reduction in merging and diverging collisions, due to the shifting of left turns outside the main intersection. In addition, it reduces the number of different [[traffic light]] phases, significantly increasing traffic flow. Because separate phases are no longer needed for left turns, this increases green time for through traffic. The effect on turning traffic is mixed. Consequently, the timing of traffic signals along a highway featuring the design is made easier by the elimination of left-turn phases both on that highway and along intersecting roadways contributing to the reduction of travel times and the increased capacity of those roadways.<ref name=FHWA1/>

It has been shown to enhance safety for pedestrians at these intersections, since they only encounter through traffic and vehicles making right turns. The elimination of left turns removes one source of potential vehicle-pedestrian conflict.<ref name=FHWA1/> One minor disadvantage of the Michigan left is the extra distance required for the motorist to drive. Sometimes the distance to the turnaround is as far away as {{convert|1/4|mi|m}} past the intersection. This design leads to each motorist driving an additional {{convert|1/2|mi|m}} to make a left turn. It also results in left-turning vehicles having to stop up to three times in the execution of the turn.

==See also==
*[[Jughandle]]
*{{portal-inline|Roads}}
*{{portal-inline|U.S. Roads}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Michigan left}}
{{GeoGroup}}
* [https://www.michiganhighways.org/indepth/michigan_left.html Michigan left at Michigan Highways]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090825081128/http://www.tfhrc.gov/safety/pubs/07033/index.htm Synthesis of the Median U-Turn Intersection Treatment, Safety, and Operational Benefits]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiEhiNyQ4Oo MUT Case Study: Michigan Avenue at South Harrison Road in East Lansing (Michigan)]

{{Road junction types}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Michigan Left}}
[[Category:Road junction types]]
[[Category:1960 introductions]]
[[Category:Michigan culture]]