DOTD announces addition of flashing yellow arrow traffic signals in New Orleans Metro area
Monday, October 12, 2020 at 11:06:12 AM
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the addition of flashing yellow arrow traffic signals across the New Orleans Metro District.
The improvements will happen in two phases. Phase one is a $4.3 million project that includes 56 traffic signal upgrades in St. Charles (10), Jefferson (36), Orleans(8) and Plaquemines (2) parishes.
Construction is underway for phase one, with the first flashing yellow arrows expected to be installed by December 2020. The first project is expected to be completed by Fall 2021.
Phase two, which costs more than $3.7 million, upgrades 60 traffic signals to include flashing yellow arrows in Jefferson (8), St. Bernard (14) and Orleans (38) parishes.
Construction on phase two is expected to start in December 2020 and expected to be finished by Spring 2022.
Flashing yellow arrow traffic signals feature the flashing yellow arrow, in addition to the traditional red, yellow and green arrows.
When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to make a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before turning.
Flashing yellow arrow signals keep motorists safer during heavy traffic and reduce delays when traffic is light. The new traffic signals also provide traffic engineers with more options to handle a variety of traffic volumes.
Motorists will eventually encounter the new flashing yellow arrow traffic signals on all state roadways across Louisiana at locations where a protected left turn already exists, as part of a federal standard for implementation of the signals.
For more information on flashing yellow arrows, click this link or watch this video.