Just weeks after receiving City Council approval, the City of Folsom’s new Flashing Yellow Arrow pilot program is preparing to move from planning to construction, with work scheduled to begin the week of June 8, according to an announcement from the city of Folsom
The pilot program, approved unanimously by the Folsom City Council in May, will introduce flashing yellow arrow signal operations at four intersections along Natoma Street: Prison Road, Wales Drive, Stafford Street and Coloma Street. Construction is expected to begin next week, with the new traffic signal operations anticipated to go live as early as mid-July.
The project marks Folsom’s first use of flashing yellow arrow technology, a traffic signal system already in use throughout California and across the nation to improve left-turn efficiency while maintaining safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Under the pilot program, a fourth signal section featuring a flashing yellow arrow will be added to the existing traffic signals at each intersection. The new signal indication allows drivers to make a left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when it is safe to do so.
Drivers will continue to encounter the familiar red, yellow and green signal indications. The flashing yellow arrow adds an additional signal phase, providing another opportunity for motorists to complete left turns during gaps in opposing traffic rather than waiting for a protected green arrow.
According to information provided by the city, the new operation is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce delays, particularly during periods when traffic volumes are lighter. Similar systems have been credited with reducing unnecessary vehicle idling and improving overall intersection efficiency.
The Natoma Street corridor was identified during the city’s evaluation process as a suitable location for the pilot project. The intersections were among several locations reviewed by city engineers after the council authorized the program. During the evaluation process, staff identified multiple intersections throughout the city that could potentially accommodate flashing yellow arrow operations, although the Natoma Street locations were selected for the initial trial.
Construction impacts are expected to be minimal. Work will occur during daytime hours and will be completed one intersection at a time. Temporary left-turn lane closures will be necessary while crews install the new signal equipment, with each intersection expected to require approximately three to four days of work.
Motorists traveling through the work zones should also be aware that traffic signals may occasionally be placed into flashing mode during construction activities. When signals are in flashing operation, drivers will be required to come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
The pilot program follows a growing regional trend. Nearby cities including Roseville and Elk Grove have already implemented flashing yellow arrow operations at numerous intersections, while Sacramento County has also deployed the technology at select locations.
During the council’s review of the program, Mark Rackovan, Folsom’s Public Works Director, noted in the staff report that “many jurisdictions, including neighboring cities, have implemented FYAs, creating regional consistency for drivers.”
Following activation of the new signals later this summer, the Folsom Public Works Department will monitor traffic operations and gather data on the pilot program’s performance. The results will help determine whether flashing yellow arrows could eventually be expanded to additional intersections throughout the city.
City officials have indicated they will share findings from the trial with the City Council after sufficient operational data has been collected.
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