What are flashing yellow left-turn arrows?
The Federal Highway Administration is now allowing departments of transportation to use flashing yellow left-turn signals as an option on certain roadway intersections. Currently, in St. Louis, MoDOT has flashing yellow left-turn arrow signal lights at three intersections in the West St. Louis County area (on eastbound and westbound Rte. 340 (Olive Blvd.) at Mason, on eastbound and westbound Rte 340 at Barnes West/Heritage Place, and on eastbound and westbound Rte. 340 at Ross/Questover) and at Interstate 70 and Route K in St. Charles County. The department is looking at other locations and will add them as appropriate. MoDOT Traffic Operations Engineer Greg Owens says the new signal lights improve safety and reduce traffic delays. “With the new flashing left-turn arrow, drivers can make a left turn when this light is on, when it is safe to do so,” he says. “This essentially gives drivers two ‘chances’ to make it through the signal, resulting in less wait time at the intersection.” MoD
Related Questions
- Does the MUTCD now require agencies to provide a flashing yellow arrow indication for a left-turn movement for the permissive left-turn phase?
- Does the MUTCD permit agencies to provide a flashing amber indication for a left-turn movement for the permissive left-turn phase?
- Why are the flashing lights yellow and not red?
