In the coming days, the traffic signal at Arnold Mill Road/State 140 and New Providence Road will have a left turn signal added – a modification meant to make that intersection safer and less congested.

The signal addition will affect drivers heading southbound on Arnold Mill Road and trying to turn left onto New Providence Road. Those who want to make such a turn may soon encounter a new green arrow or a flashing yellow signal – depending on the time. A green arrow indicates that they can make a protected left turn, while they can cautiously make that turn when the coast is clear when the left turn signal flashes a yellow arrow.

What’s different is what happens between 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays, when that intersection tends to get the most backed up. During those three hours, those traveling south can only turn left when there’s a green arrow left turn signal. (At other times, it will be red – indicating you can’t turn.) In other words, the flashing yellow arrow will not be displayed during that afternoon peak period for the safety of motorists. (Why? Because there are fewer safe gaps between vehicles around that time, when northbound traffic tends to be its heaviest.)  

A contractor with the Georgia Department of Transportation will install and activate the addition to the existing signal set-up – a necessity since it’s on a state route. That said, the City has advocated for this addition for some time to make this intersection more efficient.