Sugar Land to Install Yellow Arrow Lights

The Houston area’s first installation of new traffic signals with flashing yellow arrows for left-turns will soon occur in Sugar Land. The flashing yellow instinctively implies caution, which is the preferred reaction when drivers make judgment calls about turning left into a gap in traffic.This new installation is intended to create reduced wait times and fuel usage at intersections.Here’s how the signals work: When approaching the intersection, a solid red arrow indicates a required stop — left turning drivers must stop. Drivers must also stop at a solid yellow arrow. A flashing yellow arrow requires motorists to first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding cautiously to turn left. A solid green arrow permits drivers to turn left while oncoming traffic stops.Flashing Yellow Arrow (aka. FYA) left-turn lights will soon be installed at the following Sugar Land intersections in the Sugar Land Business Park: • West Airport Boulevard & Gillingham Lane • West Airport Boulevard & Industrial Boulevard • West Airport Boulevard & Dairy Ashford Road • Jess Pirtle Boulevard & Gillingham Lane • Corporate Drive & Dairy Ashford Road Assistant Public Works Director David Worley says, “We’ve targeted these initial intersections as part of a phased approach intended to allow residents to become familiar with FYAs before utilizing the lights in more densely travelled areas. Our selection of the Business Park will give us the opportunity to refine the timing and ensure education of our motorists.”The FYAs have greatly benefited air quality and reduced accidents. A national research study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation identified FYAs as the preferred option for left-turn movements.“Research data has shown that retiming traffic signals can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent and reduce mobile emissions by up to 22 percent,” said Worley.Learn about the beautiful community of Sugar Land.