RIGBY - A new traffic signal by Rigby High School will be turned on Thursday (Aug. 15), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

The signal, located at the intersection of Idaho 48 and 3800 East in Jefferson County, will be tested, adjusted and set starting at 9 a.m.

This work will mostly complete a project to improve the intersection in time for the opening of the new Rigby High School Sept. 4. The project was a joint undertaking by Jefferson County, Jefferson Joint School District 251 and the transportation department.

The signal pole features buttons pedestrians push to cross the intersection. Residents should cross lanes cautiously, especially while motorists adjust to lighting cycles of the new traffic signal.

The modern signal includes the new flashing yellow arrow, meaning to "proceed with caution and yield to oncoming traffic."

The signal has four intervals:

1. Green arrow represents a protected turn

2. Flashing yellow - proceed with caution and yield to oncoming traffic

3. Solid Yellow – traffic change coming

4. Solid Red - stop

The flashing yellow arrow replaces the permissive green "ball" traditionally used in left turn traffic signal configurations. Flashing yellow arrows indicate a permissive move for drivers turning left; they can make a left turn but must 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 flashing yellow arrow signal is more efficient and improves safety. The signal also saves on motorists’ fuel and time at the intersection.

Highway construction is one of the key forces pushing Idaho toward full economic recovery by creating jobs, improving safety and reducing traffic congestion.