Full Notification

<p>The new J-turn, located at the intersection of WIS 54 and Wood/Portage CountyU, opened to traffic in early September.</p>

<p>The purpose of reconstructing the intersection is to improve safety by reducing crashes and crash severity at this location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were 11 crashes at this locationi between 2008 and 2013.</p>

<p>Eight were angle crashes.</p>

<p>Seven involved a vehicle from County U attempting to access the intersection and colliding with a vehicle traveling on WIS 54.</p>

<p>There were 18 injuries associated with crashes at the intersection (including driver and occupant injuries).</p>

<p>A fatal angle crash occurred in 2006 resulting in the death of both drivers.</p>

<p>Following a thorough evaluation of the current conditions and improvement alternatives, the new J-turn configuration was chosen because it best meets the purpose and need for the project.</p>

<p>The J-turn reduces crash potential because it does not allow left-turn and through movements from County U. To make these movements, drivers at County U will first turn right then make a U-turn down the road from the original intersection.</p>

<p>A study completed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on J-turns found an overall reduction of intersection crashes ranging from 28 to 44 percent.</p>

<p>J-turns are not new to Wisconsin. The WIS 54/Wood and Portage County U J-turn is, however, the first in north central Wisconsin.</p>

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<p>Here are some animated videos to help motorists learn how to drive through this J-turn intersection:</p>

<p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUu2frhF2qo&amp;list=PLoGzf6P7PsQ9P_Jf7raR4FKBA5jhk6Ldb</p>

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