The North Bend–Fremont Restricted Crossing U-Turn or “RCUT” project showcases how innovative roadway design, combined with strong community engagement, can lead to safer roads and greater public support. The Nebraska Department of Transportation decided to use the RCUT design to provide enhanced safety in a location where traditional intersections posed significant risks, especially for slower-moving farm equipment and inexperienced drivers. As part of the US-30 realignment and expansion, the new intersection replaced the previous US-30/N-79 junction, moving it one mile north into a higher-speed area, raising safety concerns among residents. To address this, Nebraska DOT chose to deploy an RCUT design, which minimizes conflict points and reduces crash rates by requiring drivers to focus on one direction of traffic at a time. Although RCUTs were new to Nebraska, the $1.7 million project included a public education campaign to build community support. By prioritizing safety and communication, Nebraska DOT turned initial skepticism into strong local backing for a design that enhances road safety and sets a precedent for future intersections.
America's Transportation Awards 