Yes, the arrow's supposed to be blinking.
No, it doesn't mean you have a protected turn. It means "yield for oncoming traffic" before turning.
That's the message city and county officials want to get across about the new signal installed today at Wright County Highways 19 and 37 in Albertville.
"It's, arguably, the county's busiest," said Sheriff Joe Hagerty of the intersection. "And it's one of the worst for accidents."
City officials are hoping that will all change with the $30,000 signal, which will also have the traditional green arrow for protected turns.
The lights were installed through an agreement between Wright County and Albertville. They will be monitored, and the city may decide to use them and other intersections along busy Wright County 19, including the intersection at 50th Street Northeast.
Our City Engineer and MnDot informed us that studies have shown this type of signal improves safety and reduces congestion. The blinking yellow light can help make drivers more aware that they must yield versus the traditional green ball. Plus, the software for this system is more flexible and can handle different traffic volumes more efficiently, which in itself may help with the safety concern. This type of signal is being used in Rogers and elsewhere with good results so far. It sounds like this will be the MnDot norm for new construction projects. I certainly hope this helps with the safety... there have been way too many accidents on 19. Here is a link that describes the flashing yellow signal system in more detail: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signals/flashingyellowarrow.html
I had even thought it would be a good idea to make 241 lights yellow flashers with red flashing on the cross streets during off peak hours.