If you’ve been through the Five Points intersection recently, you’ve probably noticed yellow flashing arrows have been added to the left-turn lanes.
Advertisements
Bristol Township, using a $199,315 PennDOT grant, was able to replace existing signal equipment at the intersection New Falls, Woodbourne, Edgely, and Bristol-Emilie roads, one of the busiest intersections in the area and one that sits on the Bristol Township and Middletown Township border.
One of the most noticeable changes to the intersection is the addition of yellow flashing turn arrows. The change has had people buzzing over the past week.
PennDOT said a steady green arrow means drivers turning left have the right-of-way, flashing yellow arrow means drivers turning left may proceed after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, a steady yellow arrow means drivers turning left should prepare to stop, and a steady red arrow means drivers turning left must stop and wait.
Advertisements
More from PennDOT:
Advertisements
Flashing yellow arrow signals were first introduced in Pennsylvania in 2016, and have become commonplace in many states across the United States over the last 10 years. Based on many national studies and transportation agency testimonials, these signals improve left-turning safety by helping motorists recognize that they should yield while making left turns when there is oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
According to research funded by the Federal Highway Administration, left turn crashes can be reduced by as much as 20 percent after the installation of the flashing yellow arrow signal. Also, these signals can be adjusted depending on the time of day, reducing delays and improving mobility.
The current signal configuration features a green left arrow to allow left turns followed by a yellow arrow and then a circular green indication. The new configuration will feature four left turn arrows:
- Steady green left arrow meaning the left turn is protected and oncoming traffic is to stop.
- Flashing yellow arrow meaning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the left turn.
- Steady yellow arrow meaning left turns should stop because the signal is about to change to red.
- Steady red arrow meaning left turns must stop and cannot proceed.
Advertisements
The Five Points project was paid for by fines from Automated Red Light Enforcement at 31 intersections in Philadelphia.
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
