The new traffic signal on SH-97 (Wilson Avenue) at Alexander Blvd. (opposite Wal-Mart entrance) is scheduled to be “turned-on” on Thursday, May 15 in Sand Springs. This is a new type of left turn traffic signal and it will be one of the first in the Tulsa metro area. You may have encountered this new left turn operation already in Norman, Oklahoma City or neighboring states.
The flashing yellow arrow is a new method of traffic control for permissive left turns at signalized intersections. It was included in the 2009 version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD provides regulations that are prepared by the Federal Highway Administration to ensure that traffic control devices are uniformly used and applied across the country. In this latest version of the MUTCD the use of a four-section signal head containing a flashing left turn yellow arrow was introduced as the recommended treatment for left turn locations where motorists currently see either a green arrow or a green ball, commonly referred to as protected/permitted left turn phasing. The decision to implement flashing yellow arrows as the preferred method for controlling protected/permitted left turn phasing was based on a great deal of national research and test intersections which showed benefits of this type of left turn treatment for reducing left turn collisions at these types of locations.
The meaning of the left turn signal indication are as follows:
• Steady RED Arrow means left turn drivers must STOP.
• Steady YELLOW Arrow means left turn drivers must prepare to STOP or complete their turn if within the intersection.
• Flashing YELLOW Arrow means left turn drivers may proceed after yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic (permissive left turn).
• Steady GREEN Arrow means left turn drivers have the right of way and oncoming traffic must STOP (protected left turn).
An educational sign will be posted adjacent to the left turn signal head indicating LEFT TURN YIELD ON FLASHING YELLOW ARROW.