The N.C. Department of Transportation will begin integrating a flashing yellow arrow (FYA) at four intersections in Kannapolis beginning Tuesday, Nov. 6, weather permitting. This new type of signal will be phased gradually over several weeks at the following locations:
•N.C. 3 at Mooresville Road;
•Loop Road at West C Street;
•Loop Road at West A Street; and
•Loop Road at North Main Street.
The flashing yellow arrow slightly varies from the typical green arrow and green circular light, which indicate protected and permitted left turns. Instead, there is a flashing yellow arrow between the solid green and solid yellow arrows on the signal. When the flashing yellow arrow is displayed left turns are permitted, meaning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning.
Motorists will see changes at these intersections at the following times:
•Starting Nov. 6 – The flashing yellow arrow will be implemented from 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., Sunday through Saturday;
•Starting Nov. 20 – The flashing yellow arrow will be implemented at all times except from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and
•Starting Dec. 4 – The flashing yellow arrow will be implemented 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
NCDOT first installed this type of signal in February 2005 at the employee/visitor entrance to Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. It was part of a national study sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration to improve driver understanding of left-turn traffic signal displays and to reduce accidents at signalized intersections.
Drivers are encouraged to provide feedback on the new style left-turn traffic signals. Comments may be provided to Sean Epperson at 704-983-4400.