TUCSON, Ariz. — New flashing yellow turn signals are being installed on Kolb this week. Traffic engineers say those flashing arrows have been proven to bring down the number left turn crashes. The same kind of signals have already been added on Speedway from Main to Alvernon.
“Obviously yellow means caution,” said Interim Traffic Engineer Diahn Swartz. “The idea is you should cautiously make the left turn, choosing a gap in on-coming traffic, and also yield to pedestrians who may be in the crosswalk.”
Swartz says the flashing yellow arrow is a good reminder for drivers to be careful when making a left rather than having a green-means-go mentality. Research shows the additional signal can bring down the number of left turn crashes.
“There is that part of people understanding what the flashing yellow means, but also that operational efficiency.”
Swartz says the new lights can be altered depending on the time of the day. Possibly taking away left turns unless you get a green arrow or stopping traffic with a red arrow for a pedestrian to cross.
“It allows for some flexibility in our signal timing,” said Swartz.
You can expect delays on Kolb and 22nd street on the 14th, work moves to Broadway on the 15th, and then to grant on the 16th. Work will be done from 8 am to 5 pm and police will help direct traffic.
“What I'd like people to keep in mind is to always pay attention to the signal, don't expect what it may show, and pay attention to traffic control devices out there whether temporary or permanent.”
