August 18, 2009 -- Drivers in the Harvey area will notice a new kind of traffic signal at the US-41/M-28 intersection, the first of its kind in the Upper Peninsula.
The new device, called the flashing yellow arrow left-turn signal, now regulates southbound US-41 traffic turning left onto M-28. When the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) completes reconstruction of the intersection this fall, an identical signal will regulate northbound US-41 traffic turning onto Cherry Creek Road.
"National studies have shown that this new signal is safer and more efficient," said Andy Sikkema, manager of the MDOT Ishpeming Transportation Service Center (TSC). "Although this is the first time this signal has been placed in the Upper Peninsula, they are being introduced nationwide, and will be required at all intersections that now have a separate left-turn arrow signal."
The new signal head has four lights and four phases. The first phase, a flashing yellow arrow, allows traffic to turn left when oncoming traffic is clear, comparable to a flashing red signal in a turn lane. During that phase, oncoming traffic will have a green light.
The second phase, a steady green arrow, allows traffic to turn left. That is followed by a steady yellow arrow, warning that the signal is about to change to red. Motorists in the steady yellow phase should prepare to stop or prepare to complete the left turn if they are legally in the intersection and there is no conflicting traffic present. The fourth phase, a steady red arrow, requires motorists in the turn lane to stop and wait.
More information on this new signal is available at www.michigan.gov/mdot. Under the "Roads and Travel" heading is a page called "Intersection & Signal Types," which includes information on the new flashing yellow arrow.
For up-to-date information on this project, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive. Follow MDOT at www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT or visit the "Michigan Department of Transportation" page on Facebook and become a fan.
MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.
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