MDOT - New traffic signal location replaces traditional placement

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New traffic signal location replaces traditional placement

Box span signals are a new method for positioning traffic signals in an intersection. In the course of projects that require upgrading an intersection and/or signal, MDOT will be replacing the traditional signal configuration with these.

Traditional signal design
traditional box span signal

Traditional signal design
Two traffic signals are located in the middle of an intersection. They are suspended on wires secured to two poles placed opposite each other in the intersection.

New box span signal configuration
Traffic signal, box span configuration

With this design, signals are located at each corner of the intersection (thus, the "box" design).

Advantages of this design:

Increased safety for maintenance workers, who no longer need to be stationed in the middle of a busy intersection to make repairs.
Signals are easier for drivers to see.

How a box span signal works

Traffic signal, box configuration showing traffic paths

This diagram shows how the newsignal configuration works.

Motorists would continue to pull up to the stop bar and proceed according to the signal directly opposite them at the far side of the intersection.
Once this signal turns green, a motorist could go straight or turn depending on their lane of travel.
Motorists turning left need to follow through with the left turn regardless of what the other traffic signals show. Drivers should NOT stop in an intersection for any reason.