The Georgia DOT will begin operation of a new traffic signal Thursday at the intersection of State Route 347 at the new Northeast Georgia Health System’s Medical Plaza on River Place. The new traffic lights are called four-section flashing yellow arrow signals for intersections with historic heavy left-turning traffic volumes.

Federal Highway Administration studies have shown these signals help reduce crashes of left-turning vehicles by as much as 35 percent, according to GDOT.

The FYA offers clearer guidance to drivers turning left and allows them more movement through the intersection when no pedestrians or oncoming traffic are present, thereby reducing back-ups, engine idling and auto emissions.