Increased mobility in Montgomery County due to flashing yellow lights

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Commissioner James Noack's office began introduced flashing yellow arrows in January at three of Precinct 3’s most traffic-laden intersections. The additions were met with enthusiasm and eased congestion, and Commissioner Noack is expanding the rollout of the time-saving lights across Precinct 3.

The flashing yellow left-turn signal frees drivers from a long wait for a green light—instead they can gauge traffic and make a left turn when it is safe. Nine intersections in Precinct 3 currently are equipped with flashing-yellow turn signals, and and three more have been approved and are ready for installation.

“We want to do everything we can to increase mobility in our area,” Noack says. “We have recevied a lot of positive feedback, and we can see that the lights are working for the motorists of Precinct 3.”

Rayford Road alone boasts three sets of flashing-yellow signals, at its intersections with Riley Fuzzel, Geneva and Aldine-Westfield. Several intersections on Grogan’s Mill, in the vicinity of the Market Street shopping center, are also utilizing flashing yellow left turn lights. Woodlands Parkway counts two flashing-yellow signal intersections, and will get two more soon.

Commissioner Noack’s office has investigated nationwide research into traffic flow to find the safest, clearest methods to keep traffic moving. Flashing yellow left turn signals have been shown clearly indicate to the turner that they must yield, but are allowed to turn when safely able to do so. A green arrow indicates a protected left turn. A flashing yellow directs the driver to yield to oncoming traffic. A solid yellow turn signal warns the driver to prepare to stop, while a solid red turn signal means a driver must stop, and turning is not allowed.

Over time, all appropriate intersections with an adequate amount of visibility will be converted to flashing-yellow left turn signals in Precinct 3. “We want to maintain the highest safety standards for our motorists, while alleviating congestion on our most-traveled roads,” Noack says.