Target Completion Date: December 31, 2017 Safety, Operations, and Traffic Engineering
The national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices currently only permits the use of a downward green arrow and a red “X” on lane use control signals. The Federal Highway Administration recently approved the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to conduct an experiment to evaluate a diagonal yellow downward pointing arrow indication.
The intent of this indication is to indicate to drivers that a travel lane is being closed ahead, and that they should be ready to vacate the lane.
This evaluation will test diagonal yellow arrow indications on four interstate corridors in Virginia where lane use control signs are being deployed on managed lane or active traffic management projects. The project will assess the effects of the yellow arrows on traffic volume at lane closures, traffic speeds approaching a closure and the number of crashes. Comments from traffic operations center operators and the public will also be collected.
Last updated: July 5, 2023