State DOT Installing Upgraded Traffic Signals

From a press release:

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll Tuesday announced that work is under way on a project to upgrade traffic signals to more safely accommodate motorists making left turns at intersections in the Capital Region.

“Safety is our top priority and these new traffic signals will make drivers more aware and will improve safety at intersections across the Capital Region,” Commissioner Driscoll said. “Along with Governor Cuomo, we are making it easier and more efficient for people to travel through their communities and get safely to their destinations.”

The upgraded signals will be used at intersections where there is a protected left-turn phase with a green arrow. The new signals operate in much the same way as a traditional signal. Left turns are allowed during the green arrow phase and during the all-green phase. The new signals will display a flashing yellow arrow during the all-green phase to indicate that left turns are allowed, but that turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and turn their vehicles with caution.

A solid red arrow will still indicate that motorists are not allowed to turn left. A solid yellow arrow still indicates that a motorist in the process of turning his or her vehicle can complete their maneuver, but that a red signal is coming, and turning motorists should not enter the intersection.

The first upgraded traffic signal is scheduled to be activated on Thursday on Route 146 at the intersection of Vosburgh Road and Covington Drive in the Sheldon Hills neighborhood of the town of Halfmoon, Saratoga County.

Similar signals are scheduled to be installed later this autumn at the following intersections:

• Routes 9 and 20 at Route 150 in the town of Schodack, Rensselaer County
• Route 9 at George Street in the village of Round Lake, Saratoga County
• Route 4 at Feeder and Grove streets in the village of Hudson Falls, Washington County

Traffic signals are being upgraded by NYSDOT signal crews as they do routine maintenance. Additional flashing yellow arrow signals will be installed at more locations in the Greater Capital Region as intersection improvements are made.