The Missouri Department of Transportation was contacted about traffic congestion on U.S. Route 136 in Bethany. Traffic engineers thought a new type of signal could alleviate some of the issues. To ensure their idea was the best solution, they conducted a traffic study. That study prompted the restriping of the eastbound lanes of U.S. Route 136 at 38th and 39th Streets last week. New signals, starting today, will be installed at those intersections.
Weather permitting, MoDOT signal crews will change out the current left-turn signals at these two intersections to flashing yellow arrow signals on Tuesday, May 1 and Thursday, May 3. They will also install flashing yellow left-turn signals in three of the four directions of the U.S. Route 136 and U.S. Route 69 interchange the following week.
During the signal work, it will be necessary to turn off the power at each intersection for brief periods of time. Drivers are reminded that whenever a signal is dark or in flash mode, the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop. Even after the signals are operational, workers will be present at these intersections performing maintenance work. Motorists should use extra caution and may encounter delays throughout the night.
Flashing yellow arrows are new to Bethany, but are in use in other areas of Northwest Missouri and across the country. They have proven to increase safety and reduce crashes. By changing to a flashing yellow arrow, two directions aren’t shown a green signal at the same time.
They work in a similar way to the old ‘yield on green’ signals. Red means stop, as it always has. A solid yellow arrow indicates the light is about to turn solid red. A flashing yellow arrow means drivers may turn but must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. A green arrow lets you know when you are clear to turn left and oncoming traffic has a red light.
