Perimeter Flashing Arrow Signals to be Installed

Due to abnormally cold temperatures last week, the Perimeter Traffic Operations Program delayed a pilot project to upgrade left-turn signals with yellow flashing arrows at four intersections on Perimeter Center Parkway around Perimeter Mall. 

The new installation was set to start yesterday and continue Tuesday through Thursday, weather permitting.

Perimeter Center Parkway intersections scheduled to receive the improvements include:

• Marriott Hotel entrance.

• Dunwoody MARTA Station entrance.

• First Perimeter Mall entrance north of the MARTA station entrance.

• 211 Perimeter Center Parkway entrance.

“The traditional three-phase left-turn signals along Perimeter Center Parkway will be replaced with new four-phase flashing yellow arrow displays designed to improve traffic flow by allowing drivers more discretion in turning left,” said Yvonne Williams, president and CEO of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs), which are a partner in PTOP.

The new phasing will include the following order:

• Standard red arrow meaning no left-turn movements can be made.

• Steady yellow arrow indicating the left-turn phase is about to end. 

• Flashing yellow arrow letting drivers know they can make a left turn after yielding to any oncoming traffic and pedestrians. 

• Steady green arrow giving a protected right-of-way to drivers intending to make a left turn.

“These new signals should significantly reduce the time spent waiting on a traffic signal,” said PCIDs Program Manager Jennifer Harper. She also noted that a national study shows that drivers had fewer crashes with flashing yellow left-turn arrows than with traditional signals.

Harper said the new signals will be monitored after installation and, depending on the results, will be looked at for installation in other areas of the Perimeter business district.

The installation of flashing yellow arrows is another step in improving traffic congestion in Perimeter through PTOP, a collaborative effort between the PCIDs and the cities of Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs funded by a $2.8 million grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation.