DOTD provides update on flashing yellow arrow traffic signal upgrades in Southeast Louisiana

Published 9:00 am Saturday, March 6, 2021

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the first flashing yellow arrow traffic signals in the New Orleans Metro District will be turned on.

The signals, which were modified as part of a multi-phase state project, will be powered at the following three state-maintained intersections beginning Wednesday, March 3, 2021:

· US 90 (Gentilly Boulevard) at Norman Mayer Avenue
· LA 39 (North Claiborne Avenue) at Jackson Barracks
· Interstate 610 at its interchange with St. Bernard Avenue

The first phase of the project includes 56 traffic signal upgrades in St. Charles (10), Jefferson (36), Orleans(8) and Plaquemines (2) parishes. This first phase of the project, which is expected to cost $4.3 million, is expected to be completed by Fall 2021.

Phase two, which costs more than $3.7 million, will upgrade 60 traffic signals to include flashing yellow arrows in Jefferson (8), St. Bernard (14) and Orleans (38) parishes.

Construction on phase two began in December 2020 and is expected to be finished by Spring 2022.

Flashing yellow arrow signal indications feature a flashing yellow arrow, in addition to the traditional red, yellow and green arrows.

When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to perform a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before turning.

Flashing yellow arrow signals provide more opportunities for motorists to make a left-hand turn and reduce delays when traffic is light.

Motorists will eventually encounter the new flashing yellow arrows on all state-signalized traffic signals across Louisiana where a protected left turn already exists, as part of a federal standard for implementation of the signals.