The Michigan Department of Transportation reports that sections of eight-lane median U-turn arterials carry volumes in excess of 100,000 vpd with total intersection entry volumes as high as 150,000 vpd. While these locations may experience congestion during peak periods, total intersection and/or system failure is rare. Volumes of such magnitude are typically found on freeway or expressway facilities with total control of access and grade-separation; however, the Median U-turn design can handle these volumes while providing at-grade crossings and indirect access to land parcels along the corridor.

There are no known cases in which a median U-turn design has been implemented and later removed for safety, capacity or other deficiencies. While new locations have created accident, enforcement and educational issues during the first several months of operation, these issues have in all cases been overcome and are less prevalent in newer applications.

Arterials with limited existing or potential right-of-way are not desirable candidates due to the extensive median width requirements for effective Median U-turn design, with the exception of the case where median crossovers can be built into the cross street.