Traffic Patterns will change this week when the  newest stoplight in Botetourt County becomes operational. Be aware on the trips over to Wal Mart on Rt. 460 or back and forth to  RMMS, Lord Botetourt or Exit 150 to add a little more time to your trip particularly when it is shift change time at Dynex! Here is a press release from VDOT:

TRAFFIC ALERT: NEW SIGNAL ON ROUTE 220 ALTERNATE IN BOTETOURT COUNTY TO BE OPERATIONAL THIS WEEK

SALEM – Beginning this week, the traffic signal installed at the intersection of Route 220 Alternate (Cloverdale Road) and Route 1499 (Eastpark Drive) in Botetourt County will be operational, weather permitting. The new signal will have a normal stop and go operation and a flashing yellow signal for the left turn movements.

Initially, the signal will flash for approximately 24 hours and will then turn to the stop and go operation.

The flashing yellow signal will display four arrows to regulate traffic flow: a red arrow to tell drivers to stop; a steady yellow light to communicate that the light is changing, so drivers should be cautious in making a left turn; a flashing yellow which means drivers may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic; and a green arrow to show that the driver has the right of way to make a left turn.

The flashing yellow signal will be used to designate permissive left turns. Engineers use the term “permissive left turn” to describe the traffic movement where drivers should yield to oncoming traffic and only make left turns when oncoming traffic is clear. The flashing yellow signal will be used instead of the more commonly used solid circular green light to communicate a permissive left turn to drivers.

Flashing yellow arrows are more effective than the more common circular green light and other signals at conveying to drivers the need to yield before turning left at permissive turns. Studies have shown that after a short learning period flashing yellow signals are better understood, better obeyed and are safer. A flashing yellowing arrow is more intuitive than a solid green light to communicate a permissive left turn to drivers.

In 2010, flashing arrow signals were installed in the Salem District at Route 800 (Chaparral Drive) in Roanoke County and Southgate Drive on the campus of Virginia Tech in Montgomery County. This is the first flashing yellow signal for Botetourt County.