Flashing Yellow Arrow – Traffic Signal Installations and Left-turn Modifications
Location
Carnelian St at Banyan St, 6th St at Utica Ave, Milliken Ave at Victoria Park Ln, Milliken Ave at Terra Vista Pkwy, Milliken Ave at Mountain View Dr
City or County Responsible for Project
Rancho Cucamonga
Category
Safety or Intelligent Transportation System Projects
Author
Alberto Espinoza
City of Rancho Cucamonga – Engineering Services Department
10500 Civic Center Drive
909-774-4051
Project Description
The Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) was introduced to the City of Rancho Cucamonga in spring of 2017 at five signalized intersections to bring awareness, efficiency, and safety to these locations. The new traffic control devices were installed at three existing intersections located at Milliken Avenue/Victoria Park Lane, Milliken Avenue/Terra Vista Parkway, and Milliken Avenue/Mountain View Drive. The three existing signals were converted from traditional protective-permissive operation to FYA. In addition, two new traffic signals were installed at Carnelian Street/Banyan Street and Utica Avenue/6th Street with the FYA signal. City engineering staff chose the FYA to make the City’s overall network of traffic signals safer and more efficient with the improved technology. As shown by studies from the Federal Highway Administration, the FYA display increases safety because it’s more effective at catching driver’s attention when yielding to oncoming traffic when compared to the traditional protective-permissive indications. The FYA also creates more opportunities to make a left-turn when compared to protective left-turn phases. An extensive and proactive approach was taken with public outreach to the community before the new FYA was installed in the City. This included a City Council workshop to introduce the new display, outreach to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and driving schools in the area. It was crucial and important to reach out to the DMV and local driving schools so new drivers would be aware of the FYA and see the safety benefits to the traffic control device. City staff received positive feedback from the driving schools and local DMV, and they appreciated the City providing literature on how the FYA functions. City staff also used social media and local publications to reach out to existing drivers within the community. A partnership and collaboration between the City and the Sheriff’s department created a video to provide residents with the new locations for the FYA and the functionality of the new traffic control devices. This video was presented to the community using social media and it received positive feedback. Social media avenues such as the City’s website, Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter, Instagram, and the Rancho Cucamonga Reporter were all instrumental in getting the message out about the new traffic control device. The installation of this traffic control device created safety and awareness for left-turn movements within the City. Staff has been pleased to hear the positive feedback with these traffic control devices and will be installing more of these throughout the City with new traffic signals and planned upgrades.
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