City Releases Details on Recent and Upcoming Traffic Safety Projects

As traffic safety remains a key priority in the community, the City of Napa has taken proactive steps to mitigate injuries and fatal accidents among City streets. One recent milestone is the implementation of a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) at the intersection of Soscol Ave and First St. The LPI allows pedestrians to walk 4 seconds before the vehicle green light, which enhances their visibility and reinforces their right-of-way over turning vehicles.

“Traffic safety is of the utmost importance in Napa,” said City Manager Steve Potter. “We are confident that this Leading Pedestrian Interval–along with those still to come–will provide drivers, cyclists and pedestrians with increased safety and peace of mind as they navigate the City.” 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that LPIs lead to a 13% reduction in pedestrian-vehicle crashes at intersections, while the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) show as much as 60% reduction at LPI intersections. Having closely monitored the LPI at Soscol Ave and First Street within its three-month operation, the City is prepared to activate additional LPIs in other locations based on new hardware updates in pedestrian-heavy areas.

The City has also completed the installation of larger signal heads with 4 lenses at various intersections with a second yellow lens, commonly known as a Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA). FYA traffic signals feature a flashing yellow arrow in addition to the standard solid red, yellow and green arrows. When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to make a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. Otherwise, these new traffic signals will work the same as traditional signals. 

FYA traffic signals increase safety and efficiency by giving drivers more opportunities to make left-hand turns. A study conducted by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program determined that drivers had fewer crashes with flashing yellow left-turn arrows than with traditional yield-on-green ball signal configurations. 

The City’s first FYA traffic signal will launch at the intersection of Lincoln Ave and Main Street in January 2023, and additional FYAs will launch thereafter at the intersections of Jefferson Street and Third, Second, First and Clay Streets. 

“We are excited to introduce the Flashing Yellow Arrow traffic signals to Napa,” said City Manager Steve Potter. “After seeing the positive effects of the signals in other Bay Area cities, we have no doubt they will increase traffic safety in our community.” 

To learn more about the City’s traffic safety initiatives, visit https://www.cityofnapa.org/1151/Traffic-Safety.