If your usual route along John Wayne Parkway includes a U-turn, you’ll soon need a new plan.

In the next few days, Maricopa will prohibit U-turns at most intersections along the four-mile stretch from Cobblestone Farms Drive to Sonoran Desert Parkway. Hathaway Avenue will remain an exception because of the limited access to nearby shopping centers.

Drivers who currently make U-turns along the corridor will need to use another intersection or route to reach their destinations.

The city says the change is intended to reduce traffic conflicts and crashes while keeping vehicles moving more efficiently.

“Completing a U-turn takes an extended amount of time, requiring drivers to cross multiple lanes of traffic before they can safely clear the intersection,” said Traffic Engineer Monir Zaman. “This can create additional conflict points with oncoming traffic.”

The restriction is part of the work of the city’s Traffic Safety Task Force, which reviews traffic concerns and potential improvements. The group includes representatives from police and fire, Development Services, Public Works, city leadership and the city traffic engineer.

The city will monitor traffic patterns and crash data after the change to determine whether additional traffic-safety improvements are needed.