This is one of the most unusual of the 'jughandle' intersections in the entire USA. A 'Jughandle' is where traffic is made to use a cloverleaf style 'loop' instead of a more conventional left turn lane to make a left turn at an otherwise rather normal surface road intersection. This is in an attempt to make the intersection safer and more efficient by cutting down on the different turning movements in the intersection itself. Usually, there are no more than one or two jughandles (and the very similar 'teacup', used for left turns onto the side road at 'T' intersections) at most of these intersections in New Jersey (where most of these devices are used). A third style of this is essentially like a 'diamond' interchange off ramp, where all traffic intending to turn either way at an intersection uses the ramp to gain access to the crossroad a short distance to the right of the intersection (looking at the intersection from the road being turned off of), there are a few of these on US 41 in the Lake County suburbs of Chicago, among other places.
At the Ocean Co. 549 (Hooper Av)/Ocean Co. 571 (Bay Lea Rd) intersection in Dover Twp. (Toms River), the concept of the 'Jughandle' is taken to its extreme. A full cloverleaf interchange is in place here, but without the bridge where the two main roadways cross. (CR. 549 runs north-south through here, CR. 571 east-west.) The two roadways meet at a traffic signaled intersection. Also visible is the maze of highly directional access roadways to and from the shopping center ('Country Mall') that New Jersey is also well known for. In most other states, this intersection would be a simple, straightforward connection between two 4 or 6 lane streets including the usual left and right turn lanes with signals designed to complement the arrangement. Access to the Mall would also be via a smaller handfull of main access roadways.
The biggest downside I can think of for this style of intersection (besides their somewhat confusing mazelike nature for newcomers) is that they are much more land intensive than the more conventional designs with the regular left and right turn lanes.
These curious connections take a lot of getting used to for someone new to the area, but work well once they are all figured out.
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Just follow this sign to make your OWN great signs!!!! |
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This page © Michael G. Koerner |
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