A jughandle (also spelled jug handle), officially known as a ramp intersection, is a type of road intersection or highway exit ramp design in which a left turn is accomplished by first turning right onto a ramp, which then curves around to merge with the cross street or to allow traffic to cross the main road. The design is so named because its shape resembles the handle of a jug.
The primary purpose of a jughandle is to eliminate or reduce the need for left-turning vehicles to cross oncoming traffic lanes, thereby improving safety and traffic flow at busy intersections. By removing left-turning vehicles from the main thoroughfare, the intersection can operate more efficiently, often with fewer signal phases.
While variations exist, jughandles are generally categorized into three main types:
- Type A (Forward Loop): The jughandle ramp begins before the intersection. Vehicles intending to turn left exit right onto the ramp, which then curves to the left, often crossing the main road at a signalized intersection to continue in the desired direction or turn left onto the cross street.
- Type B (Backward Loop): The jughandle ramp begins after the intersection. Drivers pass through the intersection and then turn right onto the ramp, which loops back to meet the cross street or allow a left turn onto it. This type is less common for left turns but can be used for U-turns or specific access.
- Type C (Compact): Similar to Type A but often tighter, used in more constrained spaces.
Jughandles are particularly common in the U.S. state of New Jersey, where they are widely used on state highways. They can also be found in other regions and countries where they are implemented to address specific traffic engineering challenges. Their implementation can sometimes lead to driver confusion for those unfamiliar with the design, but proponents argue their safety and efficiency benefits outweigh this initial learning curve.