Tuscaloosa motorists soon will see a new traffic signal command at intersections across the city.

The Alabama Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it would be partnering with the city of Tuscaloosa to add flashing yellow arrows to 32 traffic signals starting June 12.

John D. McWilliams, public information officer for ALDOT’s West Central Region, which includes Tuscaloosa, said the flashing yellow arrows are designed to help motorists make safer left turns.

The flashing yellow will allow drivers to make left turns after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians at intersections where arrows control the flow of traffic.

The upgraded signals will feature four arrows:

• A steady green arrow that allows for a protected left turn while oncoming traffic must stop;

• A steady yellow arrow that warns approaching motorists that the left turn signal is about to turn red;

• A steady red arrow that means to stop, meaning no left turn is permitted; and

• A flashing yellow arrow indicating that left turns are permitted after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

McWilliams referenced a a 2016 study by the Illinois Center for Transportation that indicates flashing yellow arrows reduced left turn related crashes by nearly 25 percent.

“A significant crash reduction of 36 percent was found among younger drivers ages 16 to 21,” McWilliams said in a press release.

Phase One of the signal upgrades is set to begin next month on Skyland Boulevard.

Once motorists have become more familiar with the change, signal upgrades will take place on 15th Street, Stillman Boulevard and Culver Road.

McWilliams said motorists should expect minor delays and are encouraged to use caution in the work zone.

Four-arrow signals will be installed at the following intersections:

Phase I

Skyland Boulevard’s intersections with:

• Old Greensboro Road

• Greensboro Avenue

• Overhill Road

• Third Avenue East

• Sam’s Club entrance

• Andrews Street/Walmart entrance

• Pier 1 Imports entrance

• 18th Avenue East

• 26th Avenue East/Cypress Creek Avenue East

• 31st Avenue East/Palisades Drive

• Third Avenue East

• Interstate 20/59 southbound off-ramp

Phase II

15th Street’s intersection’s with:

• 26th Avenue East

• Kicker Road/19th Avenue East

•13th Avenue East

• University Mall access road

• 10th Avenue East

• Sixth Avenue East

• Lake Avenue

• Second Avenue

• Hackberry Lane

• Parkview Drive

• 10th Avenue

• Queen City Avenue

• Greensboro Avenue

• Lurleen Wallace Boulevard South

Stillman Boulevard and Culver Road’s intersections with:

• Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard

• Fosters Ferry Road/Stillman Boulevard

• 36th Avenue

• 38th Avenue

• Goodrich Boulevard

• Joe Mallisham Parkway

Reach Jason Morton at jason.morton@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0200.