Dear Mahatma: Kudos to the traffic genius who implements the flashing yellow left-turn arrow in a few places around town. I'd love to see more of them. -- Happy Driver
Dear Happy: You've done it -- given the city traffic guys the big head. No living with them now.
We do have a legitimate comment from Bill Henry, the city's traffic engineering manager. He told us that the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices requires flashing yellow arrows for protected permissive signal displays. He also said the flashing yellow arrows will be in most new signal installations and those locations modified for improved traffic flow.
A flashing yellow arrow means what all yellow means: Caution. Turn only when safe.
The manual is the bible by which traffic engineers do their work. Published by the Federal Highway Administration, it defines standards for traffic signs, signals and markings. Traffic engineers bow to it daily before heading to work.
Hey, You: I noticed some trees were cut down at the on-ramps and off-ramps at Rodney Parham Road and Interstate 430. Is the game afoot? Is there some big project about to start? -- Tree Lover
Dear Tree: David Nilles speaks, eloquently, for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. He said there is no big project or construction. The Highway Department is simply clearing brush and trees with a diameter of 6 inches or less. Clearing allows for greater visibility, and improves the aesthetics of the interchange.
Similar clearing may be done at I-430 and Colonel Glenn Road.
Dear Mahatma: Thanks to the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department for the new anti-skid surfaces, especially on Interstate 30 eastbound at Otter Creek onto the curve that takes you to Interstate 430 North. I go this way several times a week and haven't seen any vehicles spin out in the rain. -- Anita
Dear Anita: We don't know nuttin' about anti-skid surfaces, and so asked the Highway Department. Here is everything you ever wanted to know.
High Friction Surface Treatment is being put on interstate interchange ramps and other highways around the state. It provides better traction and prevents hydroplaning.
The treatment is put on top of the pavement, first a resin and then an aggregate such as calcined bauxite, a crushed rock that's extremely hard and maintains its edges.
The treatment can be applied in a matter of hours, and the highway reopened shortly after.
It's a whole lot cheaper than repaving, and it lasts seven to 10 years.
Highways that have been treated in the past few years or will be treated include Interstates 30, 40, 430, 540, and 630, plus numerous state and U.S. highways.
Three projects are underway in 15 counties. Total cost for the three projects is $4.3 million.
Quiz next week.
Vanity plate seen near Pleasant Plains: 6KDZL8R. Madam, you deserve that BMW.
Mahatma@arkansasonline.com
Metro on 10/29/2016