New traffic signal for left turns at Braddock and Ravensworth
The Virginia Department of Transportation installed a new
signal display at the intersection of Braddock Road and Ravensworth Road last
week to make it easier to turn left onto Ravensworth.
signal display at the intersection of Braddock Road and Ravensworth Road last
week to make it easier to turn left onto Ravensworth.
Up to now, drivers heading eastbound on Braddock trying to
turn left on Ravensworth toward central Annandale could only do so if they had a green
arrow or solid green light. Drivers turning left on a solid green light
sometimes do not yield to oncoming traffic, which has resulted in crashes at
this intersection.
turn left on Ravensworth toward central Annandale could only do so if they had a green
arrow or solid green light. Drivers turning left on a solid green light
sometimes do not yield to oncoming traffic, which has resulted in crashes at
this intersection.
The new signal is part of an effort to address residents’
concerns about traffic flow issues resulting from drivers exiting the beltway
express lanes onto Braddock Road.
The new signal retains the green arrow for peak periods but
replaces the solid green light with a flashing yellow arrow, which allows left turns
while also communicating a “caution” message to drivers.
replaces the solid green light with a flashing yellow arrow, which allows left turns
while also communicating a “caution” message to drivers.
To further promote safety, drivers will only be allowed to
turn left on a green arrow during peak periods. The flashing yellow arrow will
initially operate at other times of day, but VDOT will monitor the signal’s
operation and adjust the hours as needed.
turn left on a green arrow during peak periods. The flashing yellow arrow will
initially operate at other times of day, but VDOT will monitor the signal’s
operation and adjust the hours as needed.
Studies have shown that drivers are more cautious when faced
with flashing yellow left turn lights than green lights, which means there should
be fewer accidents.
with flashing yellow left turn lights than green lights, which means there should
be fewer accidents.
The new signal has a solid red arrow (stop and wait), solid
yellow arrow (prepare to stop or complete a left turn if already in the
intersection), flashing yellow (turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic
and pedestrians), and solid green arrow (left turns have the right of way).
yellow arrow (prepare to stop or complete a left turn if already in the
intersection), flashing yellow (turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic
and pedestrians), and solid green arrow (left turns have the right of way).
2 responses to “New traffic signal for left turns at Braddock and Ravensworth”
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All left turn arrows should be set up this way. Far to often left turn lanes back up in regular lanes while waiting for green arrows when there is no oncoming traffic.
One of the reasons why traffic backs up is not the traffic signal but people who leave 2-4 car lengths of space in front of them. People behind them can't make it to the turn lane and the light will cycle with very few cars making it thru.