North Stafford, Va. — A new traffic light in North Stafford will be unlike any other in the Potomac Communities.
Crews are installing the light now, at the entrance ramp from U.S. 1 to Interstate 95 just north of Va. 610.
What’s unusual about this signal light? Northbound drivers on U.S. 1 will see four arrows on the left turn signal.
When the light turns green, drivers will see a green arrow (like they do at any other signal light) indicating it’s safe for them to turn left onto the highway entrance ramp. Then a yellow arrow will light up indicating caution, then by a red arrow telling them to stop and allow drivers on U.S. 1 south proceed.
Shortly thereafter, a flashing yellow arrow will appear on the light indicating to drivers they may turn left with caution after U.S. 1 south traffic has cleared the intersection.
Officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation say the traditional green ball is confusing, and that making an unprotected left turn is one of the hardest decisions drivers are regularly faced with. A study showed the flashing arrow is easier to understand is more widely obeyed, they added.
Nearly half of all states have at least one flashing yellow signalized intersection installed. This will be VDOT’s seventh in the state.
Electronic message board signs will indicate the traffic change, and the new signal light will flash until fully operational in mid-August.
The new signal cost $188,000 and is funded by Highway Safety Improvement Program funds, according to VDOT.
-Video by: Virginia Department of Transportation (features signal light in Williamsburg, Va.)
