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Board approves flashing yellow left-turn arrows for signals, two aldermen vote no
Summary
The Board approved a resolution authorizing flashing yellow left-turn arrows on city traffic signals as allowed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; directors said the change improves clarity and can reduce collisions. Two aldermen voted against the measure.
The Hendersonville Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to authorize the use of flashing yellow left-turn arrows on city traffic signals, a move city staff said will make permissive left turns clearer for drivers and give signal engineers more timing flexibility.
The board approved resolution 2025-03, which authorizes traffic engineers to install flashing yellow left-turn arrows where studies show they are appropriate. The motion passed by majority vote; Alderman Goodwin and Alderman Dixon recorded "no" votes.
Why it matters: The flashing yellow left-turn arrow is a national practice recommended in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Officials said it can reduce collisions at permissive left-turn movements and allow more efficient signal timing.
Director Locke, the city's traffic director, told the board that a flashing yellow left-turn arrow operates like a permissive left but uses an arrow symbol that flashes to indicate a yield-and-turn when clear. "A left a flashing, yellow left turn arrow will provide, it'll be an arrow, and it will go through green, yellow, and red... And that just means that they can go if it's clear. And it just is clearer for people," Locke said.
Fiscal and implementation notes: Staff estimated the approximate cost at about $1,000 per signal head; an intersection with multiple approaches might run $2,000to $4,000 depending on heads required. The board directed staff to implement the changes in phases, prioritizing intersections that meet engineering criteria and where the traffic engineer anticipates measurable safety or efficiency gains.
Vote: Resolution 2025-03 (authorize flashing yellow left-turn arrow installations): motion by Alderman Robertson; second Alderman Sasse; outcome approved by majority (yes 9, no 2). The two recorded no votes were Alderman Goodwin and Alderman Dixon.
Board communication and outreach: City communications said staff will publish short tutorials and public information explaining how the flashing yellow arrow works before broader installation.
Ending: The board authorized phased installation based on engineering study and budget availability; staff will use existing signal maintenance funds for initial installs and return for project-level funding if larger-scale deployment is requested.
