A Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) is an intersection that decreases fatalities and injuries caused by broadside crashes on four-lane divided highways.
It includes a geometric design that alters how left-turn movements occur. These intersections simplify decision-making for drivers and minimize the potential for higher severity crash types.
Learn more on the Federal Highway Administration website.
How it Works
In an RCI, drivers from the side street only have to be concerned with one direction of traffic on the highway at a time. You don't need to wait for a gap in both directions to cross a major road. Traditional four-lane divided highway intersections have an elevated risk of severe right-angle crashes (commonly called "T-bone" crashes), especially for drivers attempting to cross all four lanes of traffic or turn left. At a traditional intersection, motorists from the side street need to look in both directions to cross a four-lane divided highway. Left turns require the same level of attention.
Making a Left Turn in an RCI
In a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI), drivers always make a right turn, followed by a U-turn. Motorists approaching divided highways from a side street are not allowed to make left turns or cross traffic; instead, they are required to turn right onto the highway and then make a U-turn at a designated median opening. This reduces potential conflict points and increases safety. Generally, the delay caused by a stop sign or signal is greater than the delay caused by the RCI.
