Drivers in parts of King and Snohomish counties will soon get an extra heads up that a green light is turning red. Beginning Monday, June 10, the Washington State Department of Transportation will switch on new signs that use flashing amber lights to warn drivers when a traffic signal is about to change. The signs are being installed in five highway locations in an effort to reduce high-speed rear-end collisions.

“We’ve seen a reduction in collisions in other areas of the state with these advanced warning signs,” said WSDOT Traffic Engineer Mike Swires. “We think these could make a difference in this area as well.”

Drivers traveling the posted speed limit who see the flashing amber lights will not make the green light down the road.

The cost of the safety enhancements at these five locations is just under $167,000 total.

“This is a great example of how we work to reduce the risk of collisions with our limited funds,” Swires added.

Advanced warning signs have been installed in the following locations:

• Snohomish County

US 2 at Fryelands Boulevard SE

State Route 522 at Paradise Lake Road

State Route 9 at 56th Street SE

• King County

State Route 516 at Military Road and Reith Road

WSDOT will continue to gather data from these locations, but need three years to paint a clearer picture of any success.