Bowtie (road)

The bowtie[1] is a type of road intersection which replaces left turns (in jurisdictions that drive on the right) or right turns (in jurisdictions that drive on the left), with roundabouts on the cross street.

Left turns are prohibited at the main intersection, which therefore requires only a two-phase signal.

The roundabout diameter, including the center island and circulating roadway, varies from 90 to 300 feet (27–91 m) depending on the speed of traffic on the approaches, the volume of traffic served, the number of approaches, and the design vehicle.

The primary problem with such a configuration is driver disregard for the left turn prohibition at the main intersection.

As of 2007[update] no agency has designed a complete bowtie road junction.