Eyes on the arrows

New high-tech traffic signal coming to Chester County

POCOPSON >> PennDOT is activating a new, state-of-theart traffic Flashing Yellow Arrow signal on Route 52 as part of the $8.6 million project to replace the structurally-deficient Route 926 bridge over the Brandywine Creek in Birmingham and Pocopson townships.

It will be the first such traffic signal PennDOT has used in the greater Philadelphia area, and only the second in the state. It will be operational on Feb. 8.

“This (signal) will help clear traffic from and around the active railroad tracks, and it will give people extra turning time to clear the intersection,” said George Metzger, community relations coordinator for PennDOT. “It will give motorists a few extra seconds to make a left turn.”

The Flashing Yellow Arrow is a new type of left turn traffic signal that has been proven to improve left turn safety at signalized intersections. While relatively new to Pennsylvania, the Flashing Yellow Arrow signal has become commonplace in many states across the country over the last 10 years. Based on studies and transportation agency testimonials, Flashing Yellow Arrow signals improve leftturn safety by helping motorists recognize that they should yield while making left turns when there is oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Metzger said the the new signal will be permanent at the intersection, which only utilized a stop sign at Pocopson Road.

Metzger said the new traffic signal will enhance traffic flow on Route 52 (Lenape Road), which is part of the project detour and will carry heavier traffic volumes during the Route 926 (Street Road) closure.

The proximity of this intersection with nearby active railroad tracks makes it imperative to improve mobility when more motorists will travel on Route 52 (Lenape Road). The Flashing Yellow Arrow will move additional traffic through the crossroads by allowing a greater number of drivers to make left turns onto Pocopson Road or W. Creek Road.