Michigan Left will change Fishers traffic

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) - A road construction project in Fishers is striking fear in the hearts of Hoosiers, not just because it will make a mess in a very busy part of town, but because of what will be left behind when it's over: a Michigan Left.

It’s a traffic pattern many in Indiana aren’t familiar with. But it’s coming to the intersection of Allisonville Road and 96th Street, the gateway to Fishers, Castleton and Interstate 465.

A driver’s natural instinct when approaching an intersection to make a left turn is to get into the left lane. But with a Michigan Left, it doesn't work that way. Instead, drivers will get into the right lane, then actually turn right, but move over to the left lane as they turn. A short way down the road, drivers will find a cutout in the barrier between opposing traffic directions, and that’s where they’ll do a U-turn to head back in the direction they want.

It's called a Michigan Left because it was designed and first used in Michigan back in the 1960s.

In Fishers, they are calling it a Fishers U-turn. In areas where it's used, the Michigan Left has supporters and detractors. The city of Fishers said the new intersection will reduce delays, provide the best traffic flow and the lowest construction cost, with the least impact on neighbors and business owners.

Construction begins in April, and it's expected to be finished by late November.