Indianapolis, IN – Drivers across Indiana may soon encounter a new type of intersection designed to reduce serious crashes on divided highways. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is promoting Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCIs) — layouts that minimize the number of high-risk “conflict points” where vehicles cross multiple lanes of traffic.
According to INDOT, traditional four-lane divided intersections can feature up to 42 conflict points, with 24 of those being direct crossing paths that carry a high risk of right-angle or “T-bone” crashes. In contrast, RCIs can reduce these conflict points by more than half, creating safer entry and exit movements for drivers.
The RCI design changes how vehicles enter and cross highways. Instead of turning directly across opposing lanes, motorists turn right onto the main road and then make a U-turn at a designated median opening. This rerouting reduces potential crossing conflicts and simplifies driver decision-making, especially on high-speed routes.
INDOT says RCIs not only improve safety but also keep traffic flowing more efficiently by reducing severe crashes that can cause major backups. The agency encourages drivers to learn more about the new design and view local examples at bit.ly/INDOTRCI.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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