See the Light: Flashing Yellow Traffic Arrows are Coming

Published on January 14, 2016

New turn signals are about to make Arlington traffic safer. 

The blinking yellow arrows help motorists know when to yield to oncoming traffic while attempting a left turn and support recommendations from the National Cooperative Highway Research Program.

Studies show that the flashing arrow signal is better understood by drivers than the more common circular green and yellow lights. The flashing yellow arrow has been proven to increase compliance and reduce collisions. It's already in use in other parts of Virginia.

The new signals also provide traffic engineers with more flexibility in the way left turns are directed if traffic conditions change.

The County is set to begin rolling out the new signal along portions of Arlington Boulevard, Glebe Road, Lee Highway with additional installations following soon.

The approximate cost for the project is $60,000.

To learn more about the new signal and its features, visit the Virginia Department of Transportation's website.