In the complex web of roads that crisscross the Garden State, there’s a peculiar feature that leaves newcomers scratching their heads and seasoned locals nodding knowingly—the jughandle turn.
Let’s dive into this distinctive traffic solution that has become synonymous with New Jersey’s roadways and explore why it’s more than just a quirky feature!

What is a Jughandle Turn?

Imagine a “mini detour” that guides you away from a direct left turn at an intersection. That’s essentially what a jughandle turn is—an off-ramp that veers off to the right, allowing vehicles to make a safer, more controlled left turn or a U-turn. More specifically, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) design manual (3) defines a jughandle as “an at-grade ramp provided at or between intersections to permit motorists to make indirect left turns and/or U turns.”
There are 3 types of jughandle turns according to the NJDOT:
• Type A—Forward Ramp
• Type B—U-Turn Ramp
• Type C—Reverse Ramp

The rationale behind New Jersey’s embrace of jughandles lies in their ability to enhance traffic flow, mitigate congestion, and improve safety. By eliminating direct left turns at busy intersections, jughandles minimize the risk of accidents and keep the traffic moving smoothly.

The Jughandle Turn Process

Approaching a jughandle turn, drivers follow signage indicating the need to exit right. They then navigate the curve of the jughandle, often encountering a traffic signal at the intersection where they can safely merge onto the cross street or make a U-turn.

Jug handles offer a host of advantages.
Among the most relevant ones, we can highlight that jughandles:
• Streamline traffic flow.
• Reduce the likelihood of collisions associated with direct left turns.
• Optimize land use in areas where space is at a premium.
• Contribute to overall safety by providing designated lanes for turning vehicles.

Efficient and Safe Navigation Tips

For drivers unfamiliar with jughandles, navigating them may seem daunting at first. The key is to approach them with caution, follow directional signage, and yield to oncoming traffic when merging onto the cross street or making a U-turn.
Here are some specific tips for the most efficient and safe navigation through jughandles:

• Plan ahead and be aware of upcoming jughandles on your route.
• Reduce speed while approaching and navigating the jughandle.
• Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic when merging or making a U-turn.
• Stay in the designated lanes and follow traffic signals.
• Be patient and courteous to other drivers.

Significance of Jughandle Turns

In New Jersey’s intricate tapestry of transportation infrastructure, jughandle turns play a pivotal role in managing traffic and ensuring the safety and efficiency of roadways.
Their unique design reflects the state’s commitment to innovative solutions that address the challenges of urban congestion and limited space.

Embracing Uniqueness

As drivers, adapting to local traffic solutions like jughandles is not just about compliance—it’s about appreciating the ingenuity behind them. While they may seem unconventional to outsiders, jughandles are an integral part of New Jersey’s identity, embodying the state’s knack for creative problem-solving in the realm of transportation.

In conclusion, the jughandle turn is more than just a quirky feature of New Jersey’s roadways—it’s a testament to the state’s proactive approach to traffic management. By embracing and mastering the art of navigating jughandles, drivers can contribute to safer, smoother journeys on the Garden State’s bustling highways and byways. So, next time you encounter a jughandle turn, approach it with confidence and appreciation for the unique traffic solution that defines New Jersey’s roads.

Civil Engineering Firm in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Founded in 1973, Carroll Engineering Corporation is an Engineering Firm based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. As one of the largest consulting engineering firms in the Greater Philadelphia Area, the firm employs more than 90 people across southeastern Pennsylvania with offices in Warrington (Bucks County), King of Prussia (Montgomery County), Malvern (Chester County),  Easton (Northampton County), as well as our New Jersey office in Hillsborough (Somerset County).

Carroll Engineering provides comprehensive and innovative multimodal traffic and transportation engineering solutions for all our public and private-sector clients throughout the Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey areas. Answers that are constructible, maintainable, economical, and sustainable. Our expertise encompasses all project phases, from planning to design and construction management.  Our extensive knowledge helps us envision the patterns and needs of existing transportation systems and execute plans that improve and transform them for maximum efficiency and sustainability. We research and investigate the connection between travelers and the transportation system and design strategies to enhance the experience of operations throughout the region. Clients recognize our capacity for understanding local standards and preferences consciously integrated into each design.

If you’re seeking a professional engineering consultant in the New Jersey or Pennsylvania area for your next project, please contact Peter O’Halloran, P.E., PTOE, Traffic and Transportation Department Manager at pohalloran@carrollengineering.com or 215-343-5700 ext. 231.