GREENHILL — There is a change in traffic patterns at the intersection of U.S. 43 and Alabama Highway 64 in Lauderdale County.

The intersection in the Greenhill community is being converted to a reduced conflict intersection (RCI) to improve safety, the Alabama Department of Transportation said.

The concept for modifications to improve safety by converting U.S. 43 at Alabama Highway 64 to a reduced-conflict intersection.

Key features of an RCI include eliminating left turns and through movements from the side street.

To construct the channelizing islands to prevent left turns from Highway 64 and County Road 364, the contractor must close the median crossover of the intersection, meaning left turns from U.S. 43 will also be prohibited temporarily.

The left turn lanes from U.S. 43 will reopen once the new intersection modifications are in place.

There are signs to direct motorists.

RCI modifications at several former high-crash intersections in North Alabama have drastically reduced crashes since their implementation.

Illustration of a reduced conflict intersection, also known as a restricted crossing U-turn.

At some of these intersections, injury and fatal crashes dropped to or near zero. These alternative intersection designs, also known as restricted crossing U-turns (RCUTs), have also improved safety in other areas of the state.

For current traffic impacts and real-time traffic conditions, download the ALGO Traffic app or visit algotraffic.com.