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Folsom council approves pilot to test flashing yellow left‑turn arrows at selected intersections
Summary
The council authorized a pilot to install flashing yellow arrow permissive left‑turn signals at up to five intersections, aiming to reduce left‑turn delay and vehicle idling. Staff will select sites using engineering criteria, conduct outreach and return with a 6‑ or 12‑month evaluation.
The Folsom City Council on May 13 approved a pilot project to install flashing yellow arrow permissive left‑turn signals at selected signalized intersections to reduce left‑turn delay, vehicle idling and emissions.
Zach Bosch, civil engineer in the city’s traffic division, told the council that flashing yellow arrows add a fourth illuminated icon to signal heads, permitting drivers to make a left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic during permissive phases. He said the device is approved by national traffic guidance and has been deployed in nearby jurisdictions such as Roseville and Elk Grove.
City staff developed engineering site‑selection criteria derived from national guidance: limiting oncoming approach speeds (recommended maximum 45 mph for candidate sites), single left‑turn lanes (no more than one left lane per approach), no more than three opposing through lanes plus right‑turn lanes in the cross street, acceptable sight distance, vehicle cross‑product thresholds, and a collision history screen (fewer than five left‑turn collisions per year preferred for candidate locations).
Bosch presented an initial map identifying about 41 possible locations across Folsom and recommended installing up to five pilot locations. Estimated per‑site costs range from about $15,000 to $47,000 depending on whether signal‑cabinet replacement is required; staff estimated the pilot (5 sites) would cost roughly $120,000 and can be funded within the public works budget.
Council members emphasized public education and data collection. Bosch said staff will provide outreach materials, message boards at sites, social media and city web content before turning signals on. He committed to returning with an evaluation; councilmembers asked for an interim check at six months and a fuller 12‑month analysis tied to safety and operational performance.
Council approved the resolution directing staff to install the pilot locations and return with evaluation results. Staff said the pilot could be a limited trial and would inform any later broader rollout; installations will avoid activating the flashing permissive phase at the same time a pedestrian crossing phase is active.
Ending: Staff will select initial pilot intersections using the agreed criteria, run public outreach before activation, and report back to the council with safety and performance data after the trial period.
