Medians: Forced Turn Islands
Forced turn islands are raised islands that block turn movements on approaches to an intersection. Forced turn islands may reduce traffic congestion, crashes, and/or help reduce cut-through traffic.
Advantages
- Prohibits dangerous turning movements and improves safety
- Reduces the volume of vehicles on a cut-through route that crosses a major street
Disadvantages
- Traffic problem may be diverted to a different street
- Local street drainage may be impacted
- May cause sight distance challenges for right turning vehicles as drivers enter intersection at a skewed angle
Eligibility Considerations
- Cut-through traffic should represent 25 percent or more of the total daily street volume
- Accident history that would support the installation of a forced turn island Street should be wide enough to construct a turn islands
- Signs and vegetation must conform to the Clear Vision Area ordinance Neighborhood Association Landscape Maintenance Agreement required if landscaping is included
Reduced Speed 
Enhanced Safety 
Reduced Volume 
Maintenance 