New Light At Winnetka and Golden Valley Road

A new type of turn indication, the flashing yellow arrow, is now operating at Winnetka and Golden Valley Road, replacing the more traditional left turn indication.

The flashing yellow arrow allows drivers to turn left when there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic, similar to left turns controlled by a solid green ball indication. When making a left turn on a flashing yellow arrow, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk.

The flashing yellow arrow gives a traffic signal more flexibility to efficiently serve various traffic conditions. During heavy peak traffic times, when sight lines for left turning traffic are reduced, the signal can operate in the traditional red, yellow, green arrow, mode when vehicles are allowed to turn left only on a green arrow. During lower volume, off-peak traffic times, the signal can operate with the new flashing yellow arrow, which permits left turning traffic to turn after yielding to oncoming vehicles or pedestrians in the crosswalk.

The flashing yellow arrow’s main benefit is a shorter wait time for left-turning vehicles, especially during non-peak traffic hours, as drivers will no longer have to wait for a green arrow to make a left turn. It’s also safer.

The use of the flashing yellow arrow will continue to expand as traffic signals are replaced, upgraded, or installed. For more information on flashing yellow arrows, visit www.dot.state.mn.us.

Editor's Note: The information above was provided by the Golden Valley website.