New Traffic Signals Coming to Caddo Could Have You Scratching Your Head
Think back to the days of your Driver's Education class and ultimately the written test you took to get your coveted Louisiana Driver's License.
Do you remember having to explain what to do when you came to a "Yellow Flashing Left Turn Arrow?" Nope, you probably don't. It's because that, for the vast majority of Americans, the signal didn't exist.
In fact, it wasn't until the Spring of 2020, when the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development actually produced a video explaining the new signals, that many of us had ever even heard of these before.
Parts of Louisiana began seeing the construction of the signals shortly about the time that video was released, and now, according to the Louisiana DOTD, we will soon see a number of these flashing yellow left turn arrows being installed in Caddo Parish.
What Does a Yellow Flashing Left Turn Arrow Mean?
The DOTD says,
Flashing yellow arrow signal indications feature a flashing yellow arrow, in addition to the traditional red, yellow and green signals.
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.
The first project includes the installation of the foundation, mast arm, and signal work for 72 locations in Caddo Parish. These upgraded signals will only be installed at intersections where a protected left turn (left turn arrow) and designated left turn lane already exist.
We're told that the contractor for the project $5.3 million project is installing concrete foundations for the new mast arms that hold the traffic signals. Motorists can expect to see the new signals operational in the next few months.
The second project – anticipated to go to bid in April 2022 - includes the remaining signals to be installed in Caddo Parish.
The third project provides for signal upgrades in the rest of the northwest District, which includes Bossier, Webster, DeSoto, Bienville, Claiborne and Red River Parishes. The third phase is scheduled for letting in September 2022.