A new traffic signal in a fast-growing section of Gainesville is now operating, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

The signal is at Ga. 53/Dawsonville Highway and the entrance to a bevy of a restaurants and North Lake Square, a planned 200,000-square-foot shopping center near Ahaluna Drive.

Growth has been steady in this area of West Gainesville, or around Ga. 53 and McEver Road.

Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., a privately held national retail chain of craft and home decor stores, will be the latest to open there at 9 a.m. Friday.

The traffic light features flashing yellow arrows, which are designed to help drivers better understand when to make a left turn freely, when they should proceed with their turn cautiously and when they cannot turn left, according to the DOT.

The signal has been picking up nationwide steam, with Georgia adopting the new signal as its standard in early 2014.