Flashing yellow left turn arrows are showing up at signalized intersections on county highways. The flashing yellow arrows are part of an effort to increase traffic flow and maintain safety. The flashing yellow arrows will move more vehicles through an intersection with less delay by allowing drivers to turn left when there is a gap in the oncoming traffic without having to wait for the green arrow. Drivers making left hand turns during a flashing yellow arrow must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians and turn with caution. The flashing yellow left turn arrow is also expected to improve intersection safety by reducing the number of collisions.
More Flexible
The new display provides traffic engineers with more options to handle variable traffic volumes. It can also use the most optimal type of control depending on traffic conditions, keeping traffic flow safe during heavy traffic while reducing delay when traffic is light. This safety ability allows it to be used in places where the more restrictive three-arrow signal would have otherwise been required.
Less Delay (Wait Time)
Drivers will have more opportunities to make a left turn with the flashing yellow left-turn arrow than with the traditional three-arrow red, yellow and green indications, which keeps drivers moving.
Safer A national study demonstrated that drivers found flashing yellow left-turn arrows more understandable than traditional yield-on-green indications (individual traffic signal lights).
The Meanings of Left Turn Arrows:
Solid red arrow:
Drivers intending to turn left must stop and wait. Do not enter an intersection to turn when a solid red arrow is being displayed.
Solid yellow arrow: The left-turn signal is about to change to red and drivers should prepare to stop or prepare to complete a left turn if they are legally within the intersection and there is no conflicting traffic present.
Flashing yellow arrow:
Drivers are allowed to turn left after yielding to all oncoming traffic and to any pedestrians in the crosswalk. Oncoming traffic has a green light. Drivers must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic before turning.
Solid green arrow:
Left turns have the right of way. Oncoming traffic has a red light.
Will the flashing yellow arrow be used all day, on every light cycle?
An advantage of the flashing yellow arrow display is that it gives traffic engineers the flexibility to use specific indications during different times of day. This means that the flashing yellow arrow or steady green arrow may not be seen every time you approach the intersection. This can reduce your wait times at a signal using this display compared to traditional left turn signals.
How will the County decide where to install flashing yellow arrow signals?
Transportation staff is evaluating flashing yellow left turn arrow control with new traffic signal designs except in places that do not need separate left turn lanes or in places where yielding left turns cannot be safely accommodated.
For existing traffic signals, the County will be assessing and prioritizing locations. Installation is based on a number of factors, including; traffic volume, configuration and number of roadway lanes, available sight distance, signal equipment, and signal age. Converting existing traffic signals to use flashing yellow arrow control requires a significant investment in new hardware and control equipment. Costs typically start at $50,000 per intersection. Therefore, older signal systems may not be converted until a major signal revision or reconstruction project is planned.
Intersections on county highways currently with flashing yellow left turn arrow operation:
• County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 23 (Cedar Avenue) and 153rd Street in Apple Valley
• CSAH 23 (Cedar Avenue) and 157th Street in Apple Valley
• CSAH 28 (Yankee Doodle Road) and Blue Cross Road in Eagan
• CSAH 28 (Yankee Doodle Road) and Coachman Road in Eagan
• CSAH 28 (Yankee Doodle Road) and Federal Drive in Eagan
• CSAH 31 (Pilot Knob Road) and Duckwood Drive in Eagan
• CSAH 43 (Lexington Avenue) and Duckwood Drive in Eagan
• CSAH 43 (Lexington Avenue) and Wescott Road in Eagan
Planned intersection projects with flashing yellow left turn arrow operation on county highways: Please refer to the
Dakota County Planned Road Construction web page for upcoming projects.
Links to Other Flashing Yellow Arrow Resources:
•
Video: “Flashing Yellow Signal” (Produced by City of Eagan)
•
Minnesota Department of Transportation