The Ramp Meter Program was implemented to alleviate congestion and emphasize motorist safety. Ramp Meters are traffic signal devices located on entrance ramps to the freeway. They regulate the frequency of vehicles entering the flow of traffic on a freeway.

The meters work similar to traffic signals with a red and green light. All vehicles must stop when the light is red. Vehicles are only permitted to move onto the freeway when the signal turns green.

Reduced congestion on the freeway​

Decreased fuel consumption

Maintain steadier flow on the interstate

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Increase freeway speeds

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Georgia DOT is now installing four-section Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) signals across the state. This traffic signal includes a flashing yellow arrow that means drivers can turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians (oncoming traffic still has the green light).

The new signals are easier to understand because it uses an arrow to display the type of left turn movement allowed. Here’s what the various arrows mean:  

Solid Green

Ok to turn left; oncoming traffic must stop

Flashing Yellow

Ok to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

Solid Yellow

Prepare to stop or clear intersection before solid red arrow appears

Solid Red

STOP - no turn allowed

The following criteria is used to help select appropriate locations:

• Intersections where traffic congestion is a recurring problem.
• Most “eligible” intersections have standard “dog house” 5-section traffic signal - drivers make “permissive left.” 
• Most “eligible” intersections have high traffic volumes and accident rates.

NOTE: Flashing Yellow Arrows is the preferred left turn treatment for all new signal upgrades. If the traffic signal has a malfunction the left turn will flash red. As with all signalized intersections, a flashing red is treated as a stop condition and flashing yellow is treated as proceed with caution. If all indications at an intersection are flashing red or the intersection is dark it should be treated as a four-way stop.

Flashing Yellow Arrows are just one of Georgia DOT’s operational improvements that are cost-effective, proven, innovative and safe. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) encourages the use of Flashing Yellow Arrows. Based on FHWA guidance, Georgia DOT policy now identifies Flashing Yellow Arrows as the preferred intersection traffic signal.

FHWA studies found that flashing yellow arrows:

• Help reduce left turn crashes by 35%
• Move more traffic through an intersection, easing traffic congestion
• Reduce vehicle idling and air pollution
• Reduced pollution

NOTE: Drivers made fewer mistakes with the new Flashing Yellow Arrows than with traditional left-turn arrow signals.