Gadsden, AL-  Gadsden residents should see new turn signals and better traffic flow after upgrades at two major intersections this Summer. For the last year, the City of Gadsden has been working with the Alabama Department of Transportation to improve traffic flow issues where State-maintained highways connect to high-traffic neighborhoods within the City.

With the addition of a left turn signal, drivers coming off the mountain headed south on 12th Street, turning left onto Meighan Boulevard, will soon be able to make a left turn from both of the southbound lanes.  Also, new flashing yellow arrow traffic signals on Meighan Boulevard (U.S. 431) at the intersection with 12th Street (AL 211) will soon be installed.  

This type of signal is new to Alabama and drivers should be cautious. According to ALDOT, “The new flashing yellow arrow means turns are permitted, BUT you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn with caution. A flashing yellow arrow signal offers a safer, more efficient way to handle traffic turning left at busy intersections.”

Drivers heading north on Rainbow Drive will soon have a left turn signal to turn onto Emerson Street, heading towards Eura Brown Elementary.  “This intersection handles a lot of traffic, especially in the mornings when parents are dropping their kids off for school and are headed to work.  We are glad to be able to partner with ALDOT to help drivers move both efficiently and safely” said Mayor Sherman Guyton.

Watch for more traffic signal education this Summer as the turn signals are installed. The project should be complete by early Fall and the start of school.