Orlando, Fla. – Construction is underway on a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project that aims to increase pedestrian safety and mobility along a stretch of Apopka-Vineland Road (State Road 535).

Crews have begun improving traffic flow on Apopka-Vineland Road from south of International Drive to south of Hotel Plaza Boulevard by introducing an innovative design known as signalized restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) intersections. The first use of RCUT intersections in Central Florida will be at the following locations along Apopka-Vineland Road:

• Vistana Drive
• Vistana Centre Drive/Blue Heron Beach Drive
• Meadow Creek Drive/Lake Vining Drive
• Chick-fil-A/Holiday Inn driveways

Construction is estimated to be complete in Spring 2022.

During construction, access to residences and businesses, as well as pedestrian access, will be maintained. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weeknights and weekends throughout the duration of project. Electronic message boards and other signage will be used to direct traffic. Schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

What are RCUT intersections and how do they work?

RCUT intersections are used to improve mobility at an intersection and enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians. This alternative intersection design prohibits left turns and through movements from side streets. Instead, all side street movements begin with a right turn.

Side street traffic that would normally cross the main roadway will instead turn right, make a U-turn at the next designated median opening, and then turn right onto the adjoining side street. Side street traffic that would normally turn left instead turns right and then makes a U-turn at the next designated median opening. The traffic signals at the intersection and U-turn locations are synchronized to promote efficient traffic flow.

If you are traveling on the main roadway, right-turn, left-turn, and through movements are allowed. 

Why RCUT intersections?

RCUT intersections can significantly reduce the potential for collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians. The proposed intersection modifications will improve safety by allowing pedestrians to cross the main roadway diagonally, with the center median acting as an area away from traffic. This keeps pedestrians out of the path of vehicles turning left from the mainline onto side streets.

The RCUT concept also improves safety by reducing the number of points where vehicles cross paths, which reduces the chance of severe collisions.

The signalized RCUT design lessens travel time through the intersection and accommodates a higher number of vehicles at the same time. According to the Federal Highway Administration, travel time through this type of intersection can be reduced by as much as 40 percent compared with a traditional intersection. Additionally, an RCUT intersection can handle up to 30 percent more vehicles traveling through the intersection.

 Project information is available at www.cflroads.com/project/439237-1 and www.cflroads.com/project/441146-1.

FDOT urges all drivers to stay alert and use caution while driving through or near construction zones.