The State Department of Transportation is increasing the use of flashing yellow arrows which they say will help intersections flow more smoothly across the state.
“While rebuilding New York State’s infrastructure, it is imperative that we find ways to make commuting, visiting and shipping freight easier and more efficient,” NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Cathy Calhoun said. “Traffic signals with a flashing yellow arrow phase do just that, helping clear congestion at intersections and boost local economic activity.”
Traffic signals with a flashing yellow arrow phase are used at intersections where there is an exclusive right- or left-turn lane with a protected green arrow, which allows motorists to turn while oncoming traffic is stopped. The signal changes from a green arrow to a solid yellow arrow, indicating that a red signal is coming and turning motorists should not enter the intersection. A red arrow is then displayed, allowing traffic from the oncoming direction to begin proceeding through the intersection. After opposing traffic gets the green phase, the turn arrow begins flashing yellow, indicating that turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic but may proceed when there is a safe gap in traffic. The signal then turns returns to a solid yellow arrow and then to a red arrow as traffic on the other road is allowed to proceed through the intersection.
Pedestrians crossing the road always have the right-of-way over turning vehicles.
Signals with a flashing yellow arrow phase in the Capital District including the following:
- State Route 146 at the intersection of Vosburgh Road and Sheldon Hills, town of Halfmoon, Saratoga County
- State Route 9 at the intersection of George Street, village of Round Lake, Saratoga County
- State Route 146 at the intersection of Blue Barns Road, town of Clifton Park, Saratoga County
- State Route 146 at the intersection of Riverview Road, town of Clifton Park, Saratoga County
- State Route 4 at the intersection of State Route 32, village of Waterford, Saratoga County
- State Route 7 at the intersection of State Route 142, town of Brunswick, Rensselaer County
- State Routes 9 and 20 at the intersection of Route 150, town of Schodack, Rensselaer County
- Erie Boulevard at the intersection of Maxon Road, city of Schenectady, Schenectady County
- State Route 9 at the intersection of State Route 9L, town of Lake George, Warren County
- State Route 9 at the intersection of State Route 9N, town of Lake George, Warren County
- State Route 4 at the intersection of Feeder Street and Grove Avenue, village of Hudson Falls, Washington County
Information and photos from a State Department of Transportation press release was used in this story.