Superstreet

RCUT Intersection Diagram

Superstreet, also known as a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT), is a type of road intersection that is designed to increase safety and efficiency by reducing potential conflict points between vehicles. This intersection design is an innovative solution to manage traffic flow on busy roads, especially in areas where traditional intersections may pose a higher risk for accidents or congestion.

Overview

A superstreet intersection prohibits the direct left-hand turns and straight-through movements from side streets onto the main road. Instead, vehicles on the side street wishing to turn left or go straight must turn right onto the main road, then make a U-turn at a designated median opening. This design significantly reduces the number of conflict points, which are places where the paths of vehicles can intersect, thereby decreasing the likelihood of collisions.

Design and Operation

The key components of a superstreet design include:

• Main Road Through Lanes: Allows uninterrupted flow of traffic on the main road.
• Right Turn Lanes: Facilitates the movement of vehicles from the side street turning right onto the main road.
• U-Turn Lanes: Designated areas where vehicles can safely execute a U-turn to continue in the opposite direction or to access the side street from which they originated.
• Signalization: Traffic signals are often used at U-turn locations and sometimes at the right-turn onto the main road to manage the flow of traffic and ensure safety.

Advantages

• Reduced Conflict Points: By eliminating direct left turns and straight-through movements from side streets, superstreets decrease the number of conflict points, leading to fewer opportunities for collisions.
• Improved Traffic Flow: Superstreets can improve the overall flow of traffic on the main road by reducing the number of stops required for vehicles on the main road, thus decreasing travel time.
• Increased Safety: Studies have shown that superstreets can significantly reduce the number of accidents, particularly those that result in serious injury or fatality, by simplifying the decision-making process for drivers.

Disadvantages

• Increased Travel Time for Side Street Traffic: Vehicles on the side street may experience longer travel times due to the need to make a U-turn to proceed in their intended direction.
• Land Use: The design of superstreets requires additional land for U-turn lanes and sometimes for widening the main road, which may not be feasible in densely populated or developed areas.
• Driver Confusion: Drivers unfamiliar with the superstreet design may experience confusion, especially in regions where this type of intersection is not common.

Examples

Superstreets are used in various parts of the world and are becoming more popular in the United States, particularly in states like North Carolina, which has implemented several superstreet designs to improve traffic safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

Superstreets offer a promising solution to the challenges of managing traffic flow and safety at busy intersections. By reducing conflict points and simplifying vehicle movements, superstreets can significantly enhance the efficiency and safety of road networks. However, their implementation requires careful planning and consideration of local conditions to ensure that the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.