Commuters are frustrated by the recent removal of the right-turn signal, which has led to backups at that traffic light in the mornings and major delays at the intersection of Loop 271 and Highway 271. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

New signal lights at the intersection of U.S. Highway 271 and State Highway 155 are causing traffic backups for commuters after the right-turn arrow for southbound 271 was removed.

“I have seen right turn traffic backed up all the way to the veterans home entrance,” Winona resident Rusty Smith said. “This is causing traffic issues for our morning commutes into Tyler.”

The change is part of a project aimed at enhancing traffic safety, but the missing signal was quickly identified as a problem that required replacement, said Cameron Williams, traffic engineer for the city of Tyler.

“We did that per the plans that were put together, but we made a note at the time that we need to go back and replace that arrow,” Williams said. “In retrospect, we could have kept it, and that’s why we’re going to go back out there and do that.”

The Highway Safety Improvement Program aims to increase safety by replacing numerous traffic signals throughout the city. The project includes upgrading traffic signal heads and adding retro-reflective backplates, featuring a yellow border designed to increase visibility.

“The high visibility border on the lights makes them stand out a little more, kind of calls your attention to them. At least, it has attracted my eye. So hopefully it’s doing that same for others, and can definitely improve safety,” Smith said.

Traffic studies analyzed this intersection and reinforced the need for the right turn to improve its efficiency. The study took place after the plans were completed but before the project started, so there were different timelines involved in the process.

Smith appreciates the safety improvements but says the missing right-turn arrow has made his commute longer. Normally, he wouldn’t mind, but the closed railroad tracks and detour around the dogleg of Loop 271 have made getting into town difficult for everyone.

He is frustrated by the recent removal of the right-turn signal, which has led to backups at that traffic light in the mornings and major delays at the intersection of Loop 271 and Highway 271.

Traffic conditions change throughout the day. Leaving the house by 7 a.m. helps avoid most congestion. However, if you leave after 7 or between 7 and 7:15 a.m., backups are common.

Previously, traffic flowed much more smoothly during those times, according to Smith.

Smith noticed some local drivers still make turns without the arrow, which raises safety concerns. He pointed out that one major reason for the delays is the larger commercial vehicles. These trucks will only turn right on a green light, which adds to the slowdown.

There are a couple of alternate routes available, but they present their own challenges.

These routes often lead to single-lane roads, such as Highway 14, where school bus traffic can create additional delays. As a result, these alternatives can be even more frustrating than using Loop 271.

Growth and development in the area has resulted in studies that, while not directly related to this project, shows the benefits of having a right-turn overlap. This means that when there’s a green arrow for a left turn from Highway 271 to go north on Highway 155, drivers can also turn right at the same time. Williams said this arrangement makes the intersection more efficient.

“We are planning to get back out there and reinstall that,” Williams said.

No additional public notifications were sent out regarding this change in the project. Williams said they will evaluate how to improve public notification in the future when making changes to intersection operations. They aim to better inform the public about any significant changes or modifications that may be noticeable.

If there’s an issue, residents are encouraged to call or use the City of Tyler’s app to report it. They can also contact the Traffic Operations Office to express their concerns.

“We want to try to make things work as best as possible and minimize any frustration,” Williams said. “Citizens calling in and letting us know the impact that helps us raise that to a higher priority and get something done.”

Have a question?

Winona resident Rusty Smith asked about this by emailing a reporter at the Tyler Paper at news@tylerpaper.com. If you have a question you’d like us to investigate, please let us know! You can also ask a question by visiting this link: https://tinyurl.com/asktmtanything

More Information

Report Signal & Sign Issues

{span data-mce-mark=”1”}To report a malfunctioning traffic signal or a damaged or missing street sign in the city of Tyler, contact the City of Tyler Police Dispatch 24 hours 7 days a week at 903-531-1000. Please do not call 911.

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{span data-mce-mark=”1”}{span data-mce-mark=”1”}Request for New Signal, Signs & Pavement Markings{/span}{/span}

{span data-mce-mark=”1”}Please contact the Traffic Engineer’s office in the city’s Engineering Department at 903-531-1126.

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