J-turns along Highway 90 are Still Getting Mixed Reactions
Weeks after new "J-turns" were installed on Highway-90, some drivers still see them as a roadblock. To clear up any confusion, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is placing signs along the thruway. The J-turns are part of a plan to widen the thruway, and make driving safer.There are about 13 J-turns all along Highway 90, from University Avenue to Alberstson Parkway in Broussard
According to the Department of Transportation and Development, J-turns reduce car accidents and shorten travel time, but some drivers think, it's still a hassle. Mike Pesson travels on Highway 90 every day for work, he's not yet sold on the safety benefits of J-turns, for now, he says, they're just making his commute more difficult.
"We have a lot of newcomers to this area and they're going to find it confusing. I'm sure after a period of time, they'll get used to it," said Pesson.
But other drivers, like Melissa Rodrigue think the turns help with the flow of traffic.
"It was a little confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's not that bad," said Rodrigue.
Probably one of the most notorious J-turns is right by Lafayette Regional Airport. Drivers traveling on East University Avenue, trying to get to the airport, can't go straight through anymore. Instead they have to make that right turn and then a U-turn.
evan thibodeaux:
"A lot of people don't even know the light is there. Once when I was coming back home, I almost got hit cause someone ran the light that they didn't know was there," said Evan Thibodeaux.
"It is a hassle, but if it keeps everyone safe, it's worth it," said Austin Schumaker.
Many of you have been asking us, when making that U-turn, can you turn left on red?? DOTD says "no." Right now, state law allows left on red only where two "one-way streets" intersect. There are only 4 locations in Lafayette that meets this criteria: Northbound and Southbound Throughway at 2nd and 3rd streets.
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