TxDOT plans new traffic signals on US 287

New traffic signals on US 287 will mean improved safety for both motorists and pedestrians, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

The new signals will feature pedestrian buttons and crosswalk lights at the intersections of US 287 with Kearney Street and Koogle Street in Clarendon, and Flashing Yellow Arrows (FYA) signals will also be installed.

TxDOT spokesperson Barbara Seal also said another new feature will be Accessible Pedestrian Signals, auditory signals for those who are visually impaired.

The new signals will be installed throughout the Childress District in Clarendon, Memphis, Childress, Quanah, and Chilicothe with work on the $1.9 million project set to begin in June.

Poles for the new signals will be taller to allow over-sized loads to pass through easier, and the project will also include improved handicapped ramping and curb and gutter repairs where necessary, Seal said.

The FYA traffic signal, used by TxDOT since 2011, is designed to reduce confusion and increase safety at intersections by indicating when left turns are permitted.

This new type of turn signal includes, flashing yellow arrow signals to create a safer, more efficient left turn.

When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow means a vehicle is allowed to cautiously enter an intersection only to make the turn indicated by the arrow, but the driver must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians then proceed with caution.

After it flashes, the flashing yellow arrow becomes a steady (non-flashing) yellow arrow. Drivers should treat the steady yellow arrow just like a standard yellow light – prepare to stop or safely clear the intersection before the red light appears.

The signal will display in the following three phases. Solid Red Arrow: Stop. No left turns allowed. Drivers should wait at the intersection approach. Solid Yellow Arrow: The signal is about to turn red and drivers should prepare to stop. Flashing Yellow Arrow: Left turns are allowed, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

The new FYA signal does not have a solid green protected left arrow. Seal said there is not enough traffic anywhere in the Childress District to justify solid green arrow signals.

A national study demonstrated drivers had fewer crashes with flashing yellow left turn arrows than with traditional signals.