Since Sept. 20, approximately one mile of U.S. Route 11 on the east side of Malone is one lane in each direction with a two-way left turn (TWLT) lane (also called a center turn lane) in the middle.

For at least 50 years, this section had been four lanes, essentially two lanes eastbound and two lanes westbound.

This section was due for re-surfacing this year, and contractors for the state Department of Transportation milled and re-paved the section. This provided an opportune time to make changes to the traffic pattern.

Advantages of the new layout include more room between the white edge line to the curb, providing pedestrians and cyclists with more room and a safer environment to walk and ride. It further allows left-turning vehicles to enter the TWLT lane for their turn and allows through traffic to continue without interruption.

The picture accompanying this article shows the new pattern.

Now that DOT has added about a mile of TWLT lane to the Malone area, let’s briefly review this feature. First, a TWLT lane is intended to be used for vehicles turning left on roads with traffic in both directions, such as U.S. Route 11. It gives vehicles a place to wait for a break in oncoming traffic that is not in the through lane, and thus does not hold up other vehicles.

A TWLT lane also may be used to enter a highway. In this situation, a driver turning left FROM a side street or road, or from a business, may legally enter the TWLT lane if no traffic is coming from his/her left, and no other vehicle is already in the TWLT lane waiting to turn into the street/road/business you are leaving. After entering the TWLT lane, you may safely wait in that lane for a break in traffic going in the direction you want to go, and then enter the drive-lane and continue.

A TWLT lane is NOT to be used for passing and should not be used to drive in for any distance. A driver wanting to turn left should enter the TWLT lane about two to four car lengths prior to the turn and should signal the lane change at least 100 feet prior to safely entering the TWLT lane.

There are many locations of TWLT lanes throughout New York’s North Country and elsewhere, and they have proven to be both a safety feature and a convenience when used properly.