Unique Traffic Control Designs Across the U.S.

Whether you call it a roundabout, a rotary, or a traffic circle, this time-honored convention is a useful and efficient method of traffic management. But let’s be real—when you’re driving a big rig, it can feel less like efficiency and more like trying to thread a needle while riding a bull.

Roundabout

Let’s start with the “roundabout.” The theory’s simple, take a thorough inventory of the space to your left, if you find it to be calm and empty, glide through like a pro. It should be a graceful dance, simple and slow, on to your destination. Your 40-ton dance partner is the wild-card in this situation. Don’t spin ‘em too fast or they could topple over and have to lie down for a nap in the grass. Just ease through. This ain’t a truck rodeo. The locals might be honking, but hey, safety first.

Rotary

Now, if you’re out in Massachusetts, the roundabout becomes a “rotary.” Here, the rules of engagement shift a bit. You’ll have cars coming at you from all angles. It’s like bumper cars…except bumping is prohibited by law. A rotary is different than a roundabout in that it is larger and has more points of intersection.

Jughandle

Then there’s New Jersey and its ornate “jughandles.” What’s that? Oh, you’d like to take a left? “Nope, we only take rights.” So, there you are, maneuvering your scheduled day’s work down a side road, taking the scenic route to make what should have been a simple turn. Maybe you’ll end up where you need to go. Maybe you’ll end up in Delaware. Either way, no worries. You’ve got it all plugged in to your trusty GPS.

Michigan Left

Speaking of confusing left turns, Michigan has the ”Michigan Left." You’re driving along, planning to go west, but Michigan says, “Nope, try going east, then northeast, north, northwest, and finally west.” Simple as scratch biscuits. Just think of it as extra practice for all those tight maneuvers. Plus, it’ll keep you on your toes.

Two-way Turn Lane

We can’t forget the center turn lane or two-way turn lane. It’s a shared center lane for traffic from either direction to turn left. You do have the risk of playing chicken with oncoming traffic every time you enter it. The danger is from people that use the lane for passing, taking a little rest break, or getting around a traffic jam for the last 2 or 3 miles to make their turn. You’ll find this in states like Texas, California, Florida, Arizona, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, et al.

Diverging Diamond

The Diverging Diamond Intersection (DDI) is one of the newer traffic control innovations aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety. It flips the script on traditional intersections by temporarily shifting traffic to the opposite side of the road as vehicles approach the intersection. This clever crossover eliminates the need for left turns across oncoming traffic, making it safer and more efficient, especially for large trucks. DDIs are popping up in several states across the U.S., including Missouri, which built the country’s first one in 2009. You’ll also find them in states like Utah, Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. They may look confusing at first, but once you’re in, it’s smoother sailing with fewer traffic lights and better traffic flow—perfect for avoiding those dreaded left-turn backups.

So, next time you find yourself in one of these regions and you see a strange traffic control setup, just take a deep breath, visit your happy place, and remember it could be worse. Safety and patience will get you through—even if you do take a little extra time figuring it out.