The Median U-Turn design is perhaps the most studied of all the unconventional intersection designs.

Several authors have conducted extensive field measurement and traffic simulation modeling research, analyzing the travel efficiency of the Median U-Turn intersection. The studies all concur that the Median U-Turn design provides superior travel time and delay measures compared to the conventional intersection design for at least some volume combinations.

Over the years, MDOT has performed several "before and after" accident studies on corridors with bi-directional crossovers that were re-constructed as Median U-Turns. Nearly all case studies reported a significant reduction in the number of crashes, particularly right angle crashes.

Studies conducted by MDOT have also shown that the Median U-Turn design improves traffic flow on average a full level of service grade compared to a comparable intersection with conventional lanes and signal control.

Studies have shown that the Median U-turn design provides the greatest travel timesavings on arterials that have high through volumes and moderate or low left-turn volumes. If the left turn volume high, the extra time and distance incurred (as well as increased queuing and spillback potential) may outweigh through-vehicle timesaving.