12/8/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
New Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic signal expected to start Wednesday (Dec. 10) at 3rd and American Legion in Mountain Home
BOISE - Motorists should expect to encounter a new Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) traffic signal Wednesday (Dec. 10) at the intersection of 3rd and American Legion Boulevard in Mountain Home, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The flashing yellow arrow means "proceed with caution and yield to oncoming traffic."
The signal has four intervals:
1. Green Arrow - protected turn
2. Flashing Yellow - proceed with caution and yield to oncoming traffic
3. Solid Yellow - prepare for change
4. Solid Red - stop
Click here for image of new signal
The flashing yellow arrow is used to replace the permissive green "ball" traditionally used in left-turn traffic signal configurations. Flashing yellow arrows indicate a permissive move for drivers turning left; meaning they can make a left turn but they have to yield to oncoming traffic. If the signal detects that vehicles are not moving through the left-turn lane, a solid green arrow phase will follow, providing protected left-turn movements.
The FYA signal is more efficient and improves safety. The signal saves on motorists' fuel and time at the intersection.
Historically, the green ball governing left turns has led some motorists to wrongly think they have a protected turning movement. In contrast, highway users seem to intuitively know the flashing yellow is communicating the need for caution in the turn.
The FYA signal will be similar to signals currently in use in the Nampa/Caldwell area in Canyon County, which has implemented the new FYA signals in several locations since the middle of 2004.
Canyon County FYA signals use a dual-arrow 3-section-head and are being used at the following locations:
- Karcher Mall/Lowe's on Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard (I-84B)
- K-Mart/ShopKo on Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard
- Orchard/Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard
- Interstate 84, Exit 28 in Caldwell
- Southside Boulevard/Greenhurst Road
- Southside Boulevard/Powerline Road