Berrien County Officials address crash concerns over new U.S. 12 and M-51 intersection

Niles, Mich. -- The newly redesigned intersection of U.S. 12 and M-51 just reopened to traffic this week, but officials are already getting complaints about confusion and crashes there.

The intersection reopened Wednesday, and the Berrien County Sheriff's Office disclosed that there have been two accidents just this Friday from drivers not following the new rules now in place.

"I think it's important we get the information out that they've redone both intersections and left turns aren't allowed on U.S. 12 now." said Undersheriff Greg Sanders, Berrien County Sheriff's Office.

Instead, anyone who needs to go left at U.S. 12 South 11th or South Third Street will now take a Michigan left. That means turning right, then making a U-turn at the median crossover.

A spokesperson for MDOT says there is a reason direct left turns were left out after months of planning. Michigan lefts lead to fewer crashes and less congestion.

"It's safer. It's smoother. Certainly, there is a learning curve." said MDOT Spokesperson, Nick Schirripa. "It's going to take a couple of weeks for people who drive this way on a regular basis to get used to the traffic pattern, and that's anticipated."

But again, it will take time for drivers to get used to the changes. So, be alert.