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).[/vc_column_text]
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.”
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.
“FIXED!”
