They’ve been in place since late last year at two busy intersections in Niles along US-12, but do you know how to execute a “Michigan Left?”
After a number of traffic incidents at the new US-12 intersections at M-51 and at 3rd Street in Niles, MDOT is looking to educate the public about how to navigate a “Michigan Left.”
MDOT says motorist safety is their top priority, and whether people are happy with the new traffic flow plan or not, its important that they learn how to use the intersection. They’ve created a new video and information page, which you can find by clicking here.
Good morning SW Michigan! Late last year @MDOT_Southwest completed the new road designs at US 12 – M-51 & 3rd St intersections. Happy with changes or not, we must educate ourselves on how to navigate these turns. Your safety remains our top priority. Here’s a video and link… pic.twitter.com/81fBDWOCYz
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) February 28, 2025
2 comments
I’m 75 years old and was completely befuddled when I first tried to navigate the new intersections. I’ve got it figured out now and I don’t find it to be a much hardship. Just a hassle. I worry about people who are just passing through the area and don’t have a clue about what to do. There are a lot of very small signs that require acquired familiarity in order to be effective.
You hit on a good point. In the Detroit area where these type of intersections originated, the signage is large, obvious and placed well in advance of the intersection. In addition, the distance between the right turn and the left turnaround (to complete the left turn) is much longer, giving people ample time/space to migrate from the far right of the roadway to the far left.
It’s more like this intersection is modeled “like” a Detroit left turn than a replica of one.