New Traffic Signals Are Coming To Tucson — Here’s What Drivers Need To Know

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson is rolling out a new type of traffic signal at nine intersections across the city, starting this week with a busy South Side crossing.

Work began June 16 at Valencia Road and Santa Clara Avenue, where crews are installing a flashing yellow left-turn arrow — the first of nine federally funded upgrades planned across Tucson.

Each intersection is expected to take one day to complete, with work running from about 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Police officers will be on site to help direct traffic during construction.

The city said research shows flashing yellow arrows reduce left-turn collisions by giving drivers a clearer signal about when they can turn. When the flashing yellow arrow is displayed, drivers may turn left after yielding to pedestrians, bicyclists and oncoming traffic.

The upgraded signals also give traffic engineers more flexibility. Left turns can be restricted to protected green-arrow movements during peak hours, and left-turning traffic can be held with a red arrow while pedestrians cross.

The full list of intersections scheduled for upgrades:

• Valencia Road and Santa Clara Avenue
• Via Ingresso and Mission Road
• Roger Road and Flowing Wells Road
• River Road and Hacienda del Sol Road
• Wrightstown Road and Pantano Road
• 29th Street and Craycroft Road
• 29th Street and Swan Road
• Golf Links Road and Swan Road
• Grant Road and Swan Road

Crews will move to a new intersection every two weeks, with all nine upgrades expected to be finished by the end of September.

The schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen delays, officials said.