Michigan Left

The Michigan Left ( also known as median U -turn ) is a special kind of intersection, which is common in the U.S. state of Michigan. The peculiarity of this type of intersection lies in the fact that vehicles are not allowed to directly turn to the left. Instead, they have to turn and then execute a U-turn right. To this end, is about 400 yards from the junction a separate turning lane available.

Prerequisite for the construction of such a crossing is a road with separate lanes to allow enough room for the turn lane. The crossing itself is usually regulated by a traffic light.

The design of the intersection in this way shall bring two advantages: firstly, the traffic throughput to be increased due to the reduced number of traffic signals, on the other hand, the increased risk of accidents will be avoided when turning left. The saved Ampelphase along with their yellow flags and protection period is extended, the green phase of the main direction.