this light is neither confusin or dangerous. Left turn proceeds first then through traffic when they have the green signal. The intersection is not large enough to accomodate someone "sitting in the middle". If you can proceed with your left before the signal changes from amber to red do so. If not wait for the next green light. This is not the only signal like this in Oakland county.

Road Commission for Oakland County
Should made this left turn light a little longer for rush hours
Sometimes this backs up traffic into the the next light west of main street

you complete the turn after the light turns red if your in the intersection...

If you're in the intersection when the light turns red, you're supposed to complete the turn. The light is kept that way because the left-hand turn lane on eastbound 11 Mile is short to allow for a left-hand turn from westbound 11 onto Washington. If the left turn came after eastbound traffic started, there would be a back-up on 11 Mile that could easily stretch into the 11 Mile/ Washington Ave. intersection.