Traffic Control For Right-Turn Lanes In Delaware

QUESTION from “The D Team” to DelDOT:

“What intersection design(s) dictates that the traffic light controls a right-turn lane?”

DelDOT response follows:

DelDOT response quote: “…when a triangular island is striped or exists as a concrete island between the right-turn movement and the adjacent through movements, the proper traffic control for the right-turn movement is a YIELD condition.” See intersection pictures below (black & gold arrow).

DelDOT response quote: “If…there is no striped or concrete island…this indicates that the right-turn movement is controlled by the traffic signal. In this situation there should be a STOP LINE across the right-turn lane,…and there should be no YIELD SIGN. The nearest signal head to the right-turn lane controls the right-turn movement.” See intersection pictures #5- 4 below (black & gold arrow).

Picture #5-4

“FIX IT #1”
OXYMORON
Inconsistencies/Confusions

US #13 North And Division Street Dover, DE

Picture #5-5

QUESTION #1: Is the right turn movement in intersection picture #5-5 above a TRAFFIC SIGNAL controlled movement or is it a YIELD SIGN controlled movement?

ANSWER #1: According to DelDOT the right lane in intersection picture #5-5 above is a TRAFFIC SIGNAL (arrow #1) controlled lane: “If…there is no striped or concrete island… this indicates that the right-turn movement is controlled by the traffic signal.”

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QUESTION #2: Is the painting of a STOP LINE in the right lane (intersection picture #5-5 above) required when the right movement is controlled by a TRAFFIC SIGNAL?

ANSWER #2: According to DelDOT in intersection picture #5-5 above a painted STOP LINE (arrow #2) is required in a right lane that is controlled by a TRAFFIC SIGNAL: “If…there is no striped or concrete island…this indicates that the right-turn movement is controlled by the traffic signal. In this situation there should be a STOP LINE across the right-turn lane…”

QUESTION #3: Is the placement of the YIELD SIGN in intersection picture #5-5 above appropriate?

ANSWER #3: According to DelDOT — NO!: There should not be a YIELD SIGN (arrow #3) in intersection picture #5-5 above. “In this situation there should be a STOP LINE… and there should be no YIELD SIGN.” (emphasis added) “The D Team” FIX IT #1 recommendation: REMOVE the YIELD SIGN in all lanes under the control of a TRAFFIC SIGNAL.[vc_column_text]

“FIXED!”

DelDOT has now removed the YIELD SIGN (Arrow #3) in Picture #5-5 above. This intersection now conforms to the proper traffic signage requirements and a full stop at the painted Stop Line is required before proceeding Straight or Turning Right.

Delaware Defensive Driving

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