Traffic signal changes at 19th and Washington street to be made next week

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Changes to traffic signals at one of the busiest intersections in Blair are expected to be made next week in an attempt to make the intersection safer for pedestrians, according to Public Works Director Al Shoemaker.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) will change the traffic signals on Dec. 16. The changes will include a new look for turn arrows at the intersection.

Previously, the signal included protected left turns at 19th and Washington streets for southbound U.S. Highway 75 to eastbound U.S. Highway 30 and westbound to southbound Highway 30 with green arrows, then yellow arrows followed by green ball traffic signals.

“We will still have the protective green arrows as before with the incorporation of yellow flashing arrows that will flash after the green protective arrow is complete with its cycle,” Schoemaker said. “During the flashing yellow arrow phase, traffic can make a left turn once all oncoming traffic has cleared and it is safe to turn. Once the signal phase is ending, all signals will get yellow lights and then a red light for stopping of traffic.”

Along with the signal changes, there will be a protective pedestrian signal. When a pedestrian pushes the crosswalk button, the whole intersection will stay at red for seven seconds to allow the pedestrian to cross without traffic movement.

The protective left turn signal will not be activated for that phase of signal timing when the pedestrian button is pushed. Instead, the normally protective left turn traffic will receive a flashing yellow arrow for left turns, which means left turn traffic will need to yield to oncoming traffic before making a left turn.

“With these changes, we are hopeful that the intersection will be safer for all who use it — both pedestrians and motorists,” Schoemaker said.