LA Upgrades Broadway-Vernon With Protected Turn Signals

Broadway-Vernon intersection adds dedicated left-turn signals to separate vehicles from pedestrians

Broadway-Vernon Gets New Left-Turn Signals

Drivers navigating the Broadway and Vernon intersection will now encounter new traffic signals with dedicated left-turn arrows, officials said. The upgraded signals give drivers their own turn phase, separating turning vehicles from pedestrian crossings. Officials didn't specify when the installation was completed or how long the project took.

Safety and Flow Improvements

The signal upgrade addresses two key goals: improving traffic flow and enhancing pedestrian safety, according to transportation officials. By providing a dedicated turn phase, the new signals eliminate conflicts between left-turning vehicles and pedestrians crossing the intersection. Officials said the changes are part of ongoing efforts to modernize traffic infrastructure, though they didn't provide details about whether this intersection had a history of safety concerns or congestion issues. Cities typically prioritize signal upgrades at intersections with high traffic volumes or crash data indicating safety problems.

How the New Signals Work

The dedicated left-turn arrows give drivers a protected phase to complete turns without yielding to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, officials said. This type of signal configuration is standard at busy urban intersections where turn volumes justify separate phasing. Officials didn't release data on how many vehicles use the intersection daily or what percentage make left turns. The agency also didn't specify whether the signals include pedestrian countdown timers or other accessibility features, though modern signal installations typically incorporate these elements.

Implementation Details

Officials confirmed the new signals are now operational at Broadway and Vernon, though a specific activation date wasn't provided. Transportation agencies typically test new signal timing for several weeks after installation to optimize cycle lengths and turn phases. Whether officials plan to adjust timing based on observed traffic patterns wasn't clear from available information. The agency didn't say if similar signal upgrades are planned for other intersections in the area.

What Drivers Should Know

Drivers should watch for the new left-turn arrows and follow the dedicated turn phase signals at the intersection. The protected turn phase means drivers no longer need to yield to oncoming traffic during the green arrow, though they must still watch for any pedestrians or vehicles clearing the intersection. Moovit provides real-time navigation and traffic updates to help drivers plan routes through changing road conditions.