Indiana Department of Transportation Gives Updates on Lloyd4U Displaced Left Turns Project

It has been reported multiple times that Indiana is among the states with the best roads in the nation. We are a major hub for shipping, so naturally, our roads need to be safe and well-kept to keep America moving.

Well, I guess the Evansville area takes that ranking seriously because the road construction has always been a lot, but it seems like this summer, road construction projects have ramped up in the Evansville area to an all-time high.

My brother, who is a truck driver, has lamented more than once to me about the insanely long detour he has to take because 66, the road between Evansville and Owensboro, is closed. But the Lloyd, he says, is downright dangerous for truckers.

This week, we got an email update from INDOT about the construction on the Lloyd Expressway.

Evansville's East Side Road Construction

INDOT stated that we are currently in the final phase of construction for the two east side intersections getting displaced left turns. The westbound displaced left-turn lanes have opened, but the eastbound lanes are still under construction.

Traffic turning south from the Lloyd Expressway to Burkhardt Road, which uses dual lanes, and traffic turning south from the Lloyd to Eagle Crest Boulevard/Cross Pointe Boulevard, which uses a single lane, will now need to use the displaced left turns.

They have major traffic shifts in place for these, so slow down and watch for cones, barrels, and roadway lines to guide you.

The northbound displaced left turns are still under construction and are anticipated to be completed by fall 2026. The entire project is projected to be completed by the end of 2026.

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A road work ahead sign laying on the ground

Evansville's West Side Road Construction

Currently, motorists are urged to use Rosenberger Avenue and Boehne Camp Road to access Red Bank Road, as the intersection is closed while crews work on the displaced left turn for that intersection.

This intersection will also have displaced left turns both ways when completed, which is estimated to happen this fall.

What Are Displaced Left Turns?

DLTs are different from regular left turns because you initiate the left turn before the main intersection. This allows turning vehicles to move to the outside lanes of the intersection during the time they would normally be idling at the main intersection.

With left turns positioned outside of the east/west through lanes, when the light turns green, left turns and through traffic can move at the same time.

The modern design provides a long queue and substantially more green-light time to help traffic clear efficiently.

INDOT Plans to Help Drivers Understand the New Traffic Pattern

If you think this all sounds confusing and convoluted, because it is, INDOT is going to be hosting an educational event in the fall to help drivers understand how to navigate the displaced left turns.

Drivers will have the opportunity to walk through the traffic pattern using a large roadway diagram, view an animated DLT demonstration and ask the project team questions before the intersection opens.
Read More: How to Find Out If Your License Plate Has Been Searched on Flock

I'm Still Not Convinced About Displaced Left Turns

Personally, I think they are a terrible idea and have already caused chaos, confusion, and at least one major crash, even though they are meant to prevent the T-bone crashes at intersections you sometimes see. I have personally witnessed a person going the wrong way down one.

So, while I understand the reasoning behind the design, I can't say I'm looking forward to even more displaced left turns around Evansville.

Hopefully, once everyone gets used to them, they'll make traffic safer and more efficient. But right now, I'm still very much in the "what were they thinking?" camp.