HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated December 17, 2013 ITEM# 27
DATE 12-17-13
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: AMES MUNICIPAL CODE DEFINITION OF FLASHING YELLOW
ARROW
BACKGROUND:
The Federal Highway Administration has adopted the flashing yellow arrow as a
national standard for permissive left-turn operations. Several such signals have already
been installed in Ames as well as elsewhere in Iowa. Others will be installed by the Iowa
Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions throughout Iowa as agencies
upgrade their traffic signals or make improvements at intersections.
The Municipal Code definitions for traffic signal control that regulate how a vehicle and
pedestrian are to operate at a signalized intersection are shown under Section 26.18(2).
Recently, it was found that our local codes do not provide a specific definition for the
flashing yellow arrow. Therefore, in order to correct this omission, an ordinance has
been drafted that will amend the section to add the following:
... "(k) A "flashing yellow arrow" light means vehicular traffic may proceed with
caution through the intersection unless otherwise specifically prohibited.
Vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicular and pedestrian
traffic lawfully within the intersection."
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve first passage of the ordinance to add the definition of the Flashing Yellow
Arrow to Municipal Code section 26.18(2)(k).
2. Reject the proposed ordinance.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The flashing yellow left-turn arrow signal is a new traffic management tool aimed at
keeping traffic moving, increasing safety, and reducing fuel consumption. It replaces the
circular green signal used in the traditional left-turn signal configuration to indicate the
need for left-turning vehicles to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The flashing
yellow left-turn arrow is intended to help prevent crashes, reduce traffic delays, and
provide more traffic management flexibility.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, thereby approving first passage of the ordinance to add the definition
of the Flashing Yellow Arrow to Municipal Code section 26.18(2)(k).
1
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY
OF AMES, IOWA, BY ENACTING A NEW SUBSECTION 26.18 (2)(k)
THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFINING A FLASHING
YELLOW ARROW LIGHT; REPEALING ANY AND ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE
EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
enacting a new Subsection 26.18(2)(k)as follows:
Sec.26.18. OBEDIENCE TO OFFICIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES.
(2)
"(k) A "flashing yellow arrow" light means vehicular traffic may proceed with caution
through the intersection unless otherwise specifically prohibited. Vehicular traffic shall yield the right of way to
other vehicular and pedestrian traffic lawfully within the intersection."
Section Two.Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction
punishable as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances,in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent
of such conflict,if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as
required by law.
Passed this day of
Diane R.Voss,City Clerk Ann H. Campbell,Mayor