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City traffic folks look at Barnett What is the criteria for the decision to put in "yield turn on green" traffic lights? There are several intersections that don't have them that should, one being Barnett and Highland. Visibility is good for oncoming traffic, and there are plenty of times I've sat there for a good two minutes with no cars coming. Is it a money thing? -- Jessica R., Medford This isn't the first question we've received about that signal, Jessica. For your benefit as well as ours, the city probably ought to do something about it. The type of traffic light you describe is called a protected/permissive signal. The left-turn-only green arrow is the protected mode, whereas the permissive mode allows you to turn left on the regular green ball as long as you yield to oncoming traffic. The city began installing such lights about five years ago at new signal intersections. There are several on Stewart Avenue. They work well, reducing delays and convincing motorists not to take residential detours. New traffic signals are expensive. Another concern is safety. Installing new-generation signals at old intersections can confuse motorists. Even so, city traffic engineers are thinking about installing more permissive/protected signals. They say the intersection at Barnett and Highland is under consideration. Another potential solution is a dedicated through-lane -- similar to the southbound right-hand lane on Biddle Road -- as suggested recently by another reader. (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA