Road crews have completed the roadway work at seven of 12 intersections identified for safety and traffic flow improvements along approximately 8.5 miles of U.S. 54 between Route CC and Old Bass Road, south of Jefferson City.
The most notable improvements are the placing of J-turns, which is seen by highway officials as an alternative to traditional roadway intersections on a four-lane highway.
Instead of motorists crossing lanes of traffic to get to the opposing lanes, drivers at a "J-turn" intersection turn right in the same direction of traffic, merge into the left lane, and then make a left turn in the direction they intend to travel.
Although drivers will have to travel slightly farther to get where they want to go, MoDOT officials have said using "J-turns" can take the same or less time than trying to wait for a safe and appropriate gap to cross traffic.
J-turns that have been completed include one at Route E and two J-turns at Honey Creek Road, Heritage Highway and Peschang Parkway. One goes to Honey Creek on one side and on the other side there's a turn going to Heritage Highway.