ALEXANDRIA, Va. — When I returned from the Shore, I noticed that there were two mast arms hanging above Van Dorn Street at the Maris Ave. intersection. I mentioned to Erica that I thought they were putting a traffic signal in, but she mentioned a pedestrian signal would make more sense.

A few days later, I saw this odd configuration attached to the arm — pairs of two reds on top of single yellows. I’m guessing Erica is correct in that it is a pedestrian signal and not a traditional traffic signal. It is a weird one though, I have never seen anything like it. I assume the two reds will flash to stop traffic and allow pedestrians to cross, while the yellow will flash to allow traffic to proceed. I guess it makes sense since Maris Ave. is a dead end street and not heavily traveled.

Also, I wasn’t driving when I took the photo. :p