Intersection - Turn Lanes (Signalised)
Signalised intersections with fully controlled cross-traffic light phases indicate to drivers when to enter the intersection, thus removing the problem for them of selecting safe gaps in the traffic flow. This reduces crashes between turning vehicles and oncoming through traffic.
Signalised turn lanes can also be helpful where there is a history of crashes between turning vehicles and pedestrians crossing the road. Signalised turn lanes are created by installing additional display lanterns facing the chosen approach; red, yellow and green lanterns for the through movements and for example, red, yellow and green turn arrows. Dedicated turn lanes should be provided if they don't already exist at the site.
Further information on signalised intersections can be found on the Intersection - signalise page.
A signalised turn lane may be installed for any of the following reasons
- Reduced crashes between turning vehicles and oncoming through traffic.
- Reduced severity of crashes throughout the intersection.
- Reduced vehicle-pedestrian crashes.
- Adding turn signals reduces intersection capacity.
- It may be necessary to lengthen turn lanes to fit longer traffic queues.
- Other signal changes can be used to improve intersection capacity when signalised turns are implemented.
Benefits
- Reduced crashes between turning vehicles and oncoming through traffic.
- Reduced severity of crashes throughout the intersection.
- Reduced vehicle-pedestrian crashes.
Implementation issues
- Adding turn signals reduces intersection capacity.
- It may be necessary to lengthen turn lanes to fit longer traffic queues.
- Other signal changes can be used to improve intersection capacity when signalised turns are implemented.
Did you know?
For every 1km/h reduction in average speed, there is a 2% reduction in the number of crashes
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