BEMIDJI,
Minn. – Motorists at the Highway 197/Paul Bunyan Drive stoplight in
Bemidji soon will encounter a change to the existing traffic signal
that features a flashing yellow arrow for left-hand turns. This is the
first time a flashing yellow signal has been used in Bemidji.
The change will go into effect in early to mid-June.
When
illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to turn
left off westbound 197/Paul Bunyan Drive after yielding to oncoming
traffic and pedestrians. The revised traffic signal still will use the
traditional red, yellow and green arrows, with an additional flashing
yellow arrow section. Flashing yellow arrow signals have been shown to
help drivers make fewer mistakes and minimize unnecessary waiting for
motorists by allowing more opportunities to make a left turn.
After
extensive testing, the Federal Highway Administration authorized use of
flashing yellow arrows nationwide in 2009. The flashing yellow arrow
is now part of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s standard
design of traffic signals. MnDOT has installed more than 60 systems
throughout Minnesota to date. Some Minnesota cities and counties also
are installing the new signals.
A
study conducted by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program
determined that drivers had fewer crashes with flashing yellow
left-turn arrows than with traditional yield-on-green signals.
MnDOT
plans to install the new flashing yellow arrow systems on most future
traffic signal construction projects. Retrofitting existing signals to
include flashing yellow arrows can be costlyand will be done on a limited basis.
