New Flashing Yellow Phase Added to KY 70 Traffic Signals
MADISONVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 7, 2012) – Motorists will soon encounter a new type of traffic signal on KY 70 at the Breathitt-Pennyrile Parkway Interchange in Madisonville. A new signal phase that includes a flashing yellow arrow turn phase is being installed at the intersection this week.
The new signal has a flashing yellow turn arrow that indicates motorists are allowed to proceed with caution but must yield to oncoming traffic.
“Studies indicate that modifying a standard traffic signal with a flashing yellow light configuration may help reduce crashes and improve safety,” said Kevin McClearn, chief district engineer for highway district 2. “The new traffic signal improves safety by more clearly signaling to drivers that they may turn only when there is no oncoming traffic.”
The new signal display has four intervals:
 | A steady red arrow means STOP. Drivers turning left must stop. |
 | A steady yellow arrow means the signal is getting ready to turn to red. Drivers turning left should stop if it is safe to do so. |
 | A flashing yellow arrow means left-turns are permitted. Drivers may turn left but must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians and then proceed with caution. |
 | A steady green arrow means left-turns are protected. Drivers may turn left. Oncoming traffic must stop. |
The flashing yellow arrow signal system has been used successfully at intersections in Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada and Oregon. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has installed a number of the flashing yellow signals to test the effectiveness.
The flashing yellow arrow replaces the traditional green ball for motorists turning left. It is designed to more clearly indicate to motorists that they must yield to oncoming traffic. If the pavement sensor in the left-turn lane detects a constant presence of vehicles unable to turn on flashing yellow, the signal will ultimately display a green arrow, indicating a “protected” left turn for the vehicles. For information about the signal visit http://transportation.ky.gov/traffic/flashingyellowlights.html.
Motorists who regularly travel on KY 70 through the Breathitt-Pennyrile Parkway Interchange in Madisonville should be aware of the new signal phase and be alert for changes in traffic flow it may create.
The flashing yellow turn arrows are being installed at about a dozen intersections across Kentucky for evaluation. Traffic will be monitored at the intersections to help determine the impact of the new turn signal arrangement on highway safety. Traffic signal technicians plan to install the new turn phase on Tuesday, weather permitting.
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