GDOT announces SR 20 R-CUT

Photo of R-Cut intersection (Georgia DOT photo)

Georgia DOT announced on January 20 that a new Restricted Crossing U-turn (R-CUT) will be soon installed on state route 20. The improvement is planned at the intersection of SR 20 and New Morn Drive between Hampton and McDonough.

Restricted Crossing U-turn’s prevent side-street traffic from turning left or traveling straight across a divided highway. This improves safety by reducing the number of conflict points and lowering the chance of a high-speed crash. All motorists from the side street are directed to turn right. They have the downstream option to U-turn to either return the other direction (like turning left) or continue on the side street (as if going straight).

For example, the state has several existing R-CUTs along state route 20. The first R-CUT was placed at Simpson Mill / Oakland Road, followed by Westridge Industrial and later Rocky Creek Road. Angle crashes dropped 73% in the five years since GDOT installed the design at Simpson Mill / Oakland Road.

Nationally, R-CUT intersections reduce severe crashes by 47% and minor crashes by 69%. At the intersection of SR 20 and New Morn Drive, twelve angle crashes have been reported over a five-year period. GDOT aims to reduce this crash pattern by implementing the safety feature.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in spring 2021. Work also includes an additional U-turn west of New Morn Drive to compliment the R-CUT.

Project costs total $230,000. The state has programmed two project numbers for the work: S015473 for the R-CUT and S015474 for the new U-turn.

Credit for the featured image to Georgia DOT.

About Clayton 1745 Articles
Clayton Carte is the founder and owner of The Henry Reporter. He founded the site in 2017 to highlight transportation projects. Over time, he began covering other topics like new development so residents can best know what’s happening in our community.

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