Displaced Left Turn Intersection​

A Displaced Left Turn (DLT), formerly named a Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI), is an alternative intersection that allows left turning vehicles and through-traffic to travel simultaneously through an intersection.   The DLT eliminates left-turns at the main intersection.  Instead, vehicles must first cross the opposing through lanes at a signal-controlled intersection several hundred feet from the main intersection. Left-turning vehicles then travel on a new roadway parallel to the opposing lanes and execute the left-turn simultaneously with the through traffic at the main intersection.

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Completed DLTs 

Completed

2
Under Construction 

Under Construction

0
Under Development 

Under Design

4​

 

 

 

Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

The Displaced Left Turn Intersection implements unopposed left turns at intersections by moving traffic over to the other side of the road. Traffic crosses opposing through lanes at a separate signalized intersection before the main intersection, entering a parallel left turn lane separated from opposing lanes. At the main intersection, left turning and through traffic move simultaneously, increasing efficiency and safety by reducing conflict. Traffic signals at the advance crossovers are coordinated with the main intersection to minimize stops.

The DLT is best-suited to intersections with moderate to high overall traffic volumes with very high or unbalanced left turn volumes.

DLT

Alleviate Congestion

Handles more capacity than conventional intersections

Reduce Crash Frequency

Reduces the number of conflict points

Improve East/West Mobility

Improves mobility

Turn-1

1

Start by lining up in the left turn lane like at a normal intersection, only a little farther back.

Turn-2

2

When the traffic signal turns green, drive across the lanes for opposing traffic into the two new lanes on the left side of the road.

Turn-3

3

When the left turn arrow turns green, you can go ahead and make your left turn.