Another confusing traffic intersection in Sioux Falls

The City of Sioux Falls Engineering Division will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at the intersection of 60th Street North and Marion Road to explain a new type of left turn signal operation that will be installed in the city of Sioux Falls.

The new left turn signal operation will use a “flashing yellow arrow” instead of the “green ball” indication during the permissive left turn phase of operation. When the yellow flashing arrow is on, motorists can make a left turn after yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk. The new traffic signal at 60th Street and Marion Road, that will be turned on shortly, will be the first signal in Sioux Falls featuring this type of operation.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIkanxT72KI[/youtube]

By l3wis

14 thoughts on “You mean I have to yield to oncoming traffic when I make a left turn?”
  1. Were people really confused by “the green ball” that this is actually necessary?

    If they want to educate the public, I recommend starting with what to do at a four-way stop. I swear I feel like a drivers ed instructor about half the time when I get to an intersection and some idiot is sitting there thinking he needs to yield to anyone who is turning no matter who got their first, or the second type of idiot who feels that yeild to your right takes priority over those who stopped first… even if it was 30 seconds earlier.

  2. Given that too many people in this area can’t understand the 41st/Louise and 10th/I229 lights this one is bound to be a disaster.

  3. I agree with the above comments but some people will learn eventually. The others, well we seem to have more than our share of idiot drivers who will cause trouble no matter what the city or anyone else does.

  4. I think they should have flashing X’s and O’s so people can play tic-tac-toe while waiting at the light.

  5. Speaking of colored balls…do you guys remember the bank balls we had in SF? Blinking white meant snow in sight? Green was no change forseen? Red was stormy weather ahead? Hell I dont know for sure but this piece made me think about it…

  6. Considering many have trouble understanding that a green arrow means go, along with late night driving and seeing people stop for a flashing yellow I have no doubt this will by some miracle be a rousing success!

  7. Yea Buzz… the weatherball. I believe the “original” was located in the cities and banks across the nation borrowed the idea.

    http://www.mnhs.org/exhibits/weather/weatherball.htm

    There are a few still out there in existence, but these days it is easier to just put up an electronic sign that tells you what the weather is rather than a colored ball I suppose.

  8. This is going to require people to think because it will be something “new”. Honestly, what is the difference between this and a solid green light? This to me is a waste, and will not change anything.

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