It’s a design that is cost-effective, efficient and takes less time to build. The only problem? Figuring out how it works.

Actually, the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s design for the U.S. 61 and John R. Junkin Drive intersection makes sense, it’s just different from anything most drivers have seen. Called a &uot;continuous flow intersection,&uot; it would be the first of its kind in Mississippi. Another such design is planned for Baton Rouge.

&uot;The driver is not confused because of the pavement markings and signage,&uot; said Wendel Ruff of ABMB Engineers, a consultant on the project.

In studies, &uot;driver said they didn’t feel they’d been through an unusual intersection,&uot; said Lawrence Lambert of ABMB.

Officials from ABMB and MDOT were on hand Thursday at a public meeting to show the design and gather public comment about it.

So how does it work?

Drivers making a left turn &045;&045; in this case, from John R. Junkin onto U.S. 61 &045;&045; are diverted away from the main intersection into a special left-turn bay, allowing the traffic to flow more smoothly and quickly through the main intersection. Left-turn traffic is moved to the side and &uot;stored&uot; until drivers can make the turn. The delay times are also shorter throughout the intersection.

The only difference drivers will notice is that they have to make the decision to turn earlier than usual.

&uot;It’s real intuitive when you’re driving it,&uot; said Jocelyn Pritchett, also of ABMB.

Darrell Broome, engineer for MDOT, said the project could cost up to a fourth less than an interchange such as a flyover &045;&045; and would be less intrusive on nearby businesses.

&uot;It’s the most economical, quickest and least inconvenient for businesses and least inconvenient for drivers,&uot; Broome said.

After gathering public comment, MDOT will make any necessary changes and then present the final plans. If all goes well, Broome said, the project could be let for construction bids next spring. The estimated time for construction is about 18 months.

The new intersection will help ease traffic flow now and in the future, when growth is anticipated, Broome said.

&uot;(The intersection) was getting to the point where it wasn’t functional anymore,&uot; Broome said.

The continuous flow intersection will also allow easier access to Tracetown Shopping Center.

The design has also been safe, engineers said.

&uot;It’s unique but very functional,&uot; Broome said. &uot;There are very few accidents with this type of intersection.&uot;