Drivers will still be able to make left turns

Under the Better BRT plan, left turn access into each neighborhood along Route 29 will be retained. Due to the median busway, all left turn movements will be controlled by a traffic signal (see below for an explanation). Currently, multiple unsignalized left turn pockets exist along Route 29 between Sligo Creek and Tech Road. Those that are preserved under the plan will become signalized and that that are not will be closed or restricted.

Which left turn pockets would be preserved?

Each neighborhood will have at least one signalized left turn pocket into the neighborhood. While some residents may lose their preferred left turn pocket, they will still have access to their home from Route 29 using a nearby intersection and their neighborhood’s street network to access their home. For example, someone in Woodmoor who formerly used Lorain Avenue could still use Crestmoor or Timberwood to get into their neighborhood.

The existing and new left turn restrictions, as well as the left turns that would be preserved under the Better BRT plan are presented in the map below. These recommendations may change if a different configuration is determined to provide greater benefits to the community.

The description of the Four Corners Station has information about left turns from University Boulevard to Route 29.

Are left turn lanes next to bus lanes safe?

Yes. Multiple BRT systems across the country have left turn lanes controlled by signals adjacent to bus lanes. On the Las Vegas and Cleveland BRT systems, there are dozens of intersections with left turn pockets directly adjacent to median bus lanes.

Due to the median busway, all left turn movements would be controlled by a special traffic signal feature called phase separation. Phase separation is when traffic signals are programmed to only allow left turns when there are no conflicting movements. The most common example is a signal that provides a green left turn arrow while displaying a red light to oncoming traffic. Phase separation is also commonly used in BRT and light rail system to prevent vehicles from making left turns when a bus is driving in the adjacent median lane.