Motorists will want
to be on the lookout over the next few weeks for a new kind of traffic
signal at a number of intersections along U.S. Highway 6 and U.S. Highway
30, the Indiana Department of Transportation said.
The new signal: a
flashing yellow arrow.
“Flashing yellow
arrow signals allow left-turning traffic to yield the right-of-way to
oncoming traffic and pedestrians and turn when a suitable gap is available,”
INDOT said. “This type of signal improves intersection efficiency by using
cross-traffic gaps to allow more left turns.”
“When waiting in a
dedicated left-turn lane, traffic may first see a flashing yellow arrow,
depending upon signal phasing,” INDOT noted. “Should there not be suitable
gaps in oncoming through traffic and sensors detect cars waiting to turn
left, the flashing yellow arrow could change to a steady green arrow. This
would stop oncoming traffic, allowing a protected left turn for drivers.”
“National research
has shown the flashing yellow signal is more intuitive for drivers, results
in fewer crashes, and moves traffic more efficiently at intersections,”
INDOT added. “These signals are being used successfully across Indiana and
nationwide.”
The first
intersection in the region to be re-programmed with a flashing yellow arrow
was the one at U.S. 30 and Fountain Park Drive in Schererville, today, INDOT
said.
In the coming weeks
10 more unspecified intersections along U.S. 6 and U.S. 30 will get the new
signal, INDOT said.