| Start Date: | 9/24/2013 | Start Time: | 12:00 AM | | End Date: | 9/24/2013 | End Time: | 11:59 PM |
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and State Representative Dick Hamm (R-Richmond) today announced improvements to 53 traffic signals in Richmond, including U.S. 40/National Road at Salisbury Road on the western edge of the city.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, INDOT crews will activate new left-turn signals at U.S. 40 and Salisbury Road that provide a flashing yellow arrow. This allows left-turning traffic to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians and turn when a suitable gap is available. Previously drivers have only been able to turn left at this intersection with a protected green arrow.
“Several concerned constituents contacted me about this busy intersection in Richmond,” said Rep. Hamm. “I shared their concerns with INDOT, and we worked together to provide a solution that was best for the community. The addition of the flashing yellow arrow will help improve traffic flow and safety at this key intersection.”
National research has shown that the flashing yellow signal is more intuitive for drivers, results in fewer crashes and moves traffic more efficiently. The signals are being introduced nationwide and have been adopted by most states, including neighboring Ohio.
The new signal improves intersection efficiency by using cross-traffic gaps for more left turns. When waiting in a dedicated left-turn lane, traffic may first see a flashing yellow arrow, depending upon signal phasing. Should there not be suitable gaps in oncoming through traffic and sensors embedded in the left turn lane detect cars waiting, the flashing yellow arrow could change to a steady green arrow. This would stop oncoming through traffic, allowing a “lagging” protected left turn at the end of the signal cycle.
In addition to converting certain locations like U.S. 40 and Salisbury Road, INDOT plans to replace most of its five-section or “doghouse” left-turn signals with the new four-section signals featuring a flashing yellow arrow. The protected left turn with steady green and steady yellow arrows will continue to be used when it is difficult to find or judge gaps in oncoming through traffic.
The steady yellow left-turn arrow retains its standard meaning that the signal is about to change to a steady red arrow and drivers should prepare to stop or, if they have already entered the intersection, complete the left turn. These types of signals are only used on intersection approaches with dedicated left-turn lanes, which clear the way for through and right-turning traffic.
The flashing yellow arrow at U.S. 40 and Salisbury Road is the latest traffic signal improvement to come to Richmond. In late July, eight INDOT traffic signal engineers from around the state participated in a four-day intensive retiming of 53 signals along U.S. 40 and U.S. 27. The intent is to progress traffic through with fewer stops and delays. A similar retiming effort of 13 traffic signals on U.S. 31 through Kokomo generated an estimated $2.7 million in annual user cost benefits.
INDOT’s successes in reducing congestion on heavily traveled highways are featured in its award-winning Indiana Mobility Report, jointly published with Purdue University. The report ranks congestion on Indiana’s interstates, including increases or reductions in travel time. Since 2011, congestion on Indiana’s interstate system was reduced by 6 to 18 percent, with most occurrences of significant congestion attributable to construction, severe weather and nonrecurring incidents. Innovative mobility performance measures are used as planning tools to help INDOT and policymakers shape future infrastructure investment priorities.
More information about the flashing yellow left-turn arrow is available on INDOT’s web site at www.in.gov/indot/3202.htm. |
