For the first time in the city’s history, flashing yellow arrow traffic signals will soon be installed on Folsom roadways as the city prepares to implement the next phase of its left-turn traffic pilot project, marking a shift from planning and approvals to on-the-ground construction.
City officials have finalized the initial installation locations and timeline for the flashing yellow arrow system, which is designed to improve traffic flow while maintaining safety at busy intersections. Installation work is expected to begin in spring 2026 along Natoma Street, where the city has identified several intersections that consistently experience left-turn delays during peak hours.
The flashing yellow arrow signal allows drivers to make a left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, rather than waiting through a fully protected green arrow cycle. Unlike traditional left-turn signals commonly used throughout Folsom, the flashing yellow arrow provides a permissive option when conditions allow, helping reduce unnecessary waiting and vehicle idling. Traffic engineers say the system offers clearer guidance than a standard green ball and is widely recognized by drivers across California and nationally.
The first flashing yellow arrows in Folsom will be installed at four Natoma Street intersections, including Prison Road, Wales Drive, Stafford Street, and Coloma Street. At each location, existing traffic signal infrastructure will be modified to accommodate the new indication, including upgraded signal cabinets, rewiring, and the installation of four-section signal heads capable of displaying the flashing yellow arrow. Additional signage will be placed to remind drivers that left turns are permitted when the arrow is flashing, provided they yield appropriately.
Funding for the work is coming entirely from the city’s Transportation Improvement Fund, and officials say no additional revenue sources are required. Because the project upgrades existing traffic signals within the public right-of-way and does not expand roadway capacity, it is exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
The upcoming installations represent a major milestone in a program that was approved by the Folsom City Council last year, when staff first outlined the benefits of flashing yellow arrows and began evaluating intersections citywide. At that time, city engineers reviewed traffic volumes, collision history, pedestrian activity, and signal spacing before narrowing the initial pilot to the Natoma Street corridor. Signal equipment needed for the pilot was authorized and purchased later in 2025, clearing the final hurdles before construction.
Folsom Times previously reported on the concept behind flashing yellow arrows, which are approved by the Federal Highway Administration and included in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Studies cited by traffic officials show the signals can reduce delays and improve intersection efficiency while maintaining clear, consistent messaging for drivers. Neighboring cities throughout the Sacramento region already use flashing yellow arrows at select intersections.
As installation approaches, city staff plan to emphasize public education to help drivers understand how to respond to the new signals. Officials have said outreach will include online information and media updates ahead of activation to ensure motorists recognize that a flashing yellow arrow means left turns are allowed only after yielding, not that oncoming traffic is stopped.
Once the flashing yellow arrows are activated, the City of Folsom will monitor traffic flow and safety data throughout the pilot period. Results will be brought back to the City Council at a later date to determine whether the system should be expanded to additional intersections across the city.
If successful, the project could signal a broader change in how left turns are handled in Folsom, introducing a more flexible signal system aimed at easing congestion.
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