Traffic light synchronization improves congestion in Orange County
As a driver, it can often be difficult to travel through multiple cities without stopping at numerous red lights. That is because traffic signal synchronization timing programs were limited to segments of roads within city limit boundaries or other physical barriers. OCTA is and has been working with local cities to synchronize traffic signals across city boundaries.
Traffic light synchronized during peak hours
Traffic signal synchronization allows a series of lights along a street to turn green based on synchronized timers set to current traffic patterns and congestion levels. Signal synchronization is a cost-effective way to reduce overall stops and travel delays.
With Orange County’s population estimated to increase 11 percent by 2030, OCTA, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the County of Orange and all 34 cities are working together to coordinate traffic lights across the county in an effort to ease growing traffic demands.
OCTA’s goal is to improve the flow of traffic in your community by developing and implementing traffic light coordination across city boundaries. These projects include optimizing signal timing to provide drivers better travel experience through reduced travel times, reduced stops, reduced delays, by making more green lights than reds. Most signal timing projects can result in a five to fifteen percent improvement in travel time and speed.
Save time, money and help the environment
- Reduced travel times allow you to spend more time with family and friends.
- Cars use less gas by reducing stop and go travel and idling at red lights.
- Vehicle emissions are reduced because cars run more efficiently.
More green lights than red
It is not always possible to hit a green light at every intersection. Traffic light synchronization coordinates signals according to known congestion levels, allowing you to travel further in less time by reducing stops.
- Expect more green lights.
- Drive with the flow of traffic to see the most significant travel time improvements.
- Don’t speed up to get to the next intersection.
Your tax dollars at work
Traffic Light Synchronization is a cost effective way to increase street and road capacity without new construction. OCTA, which administers the Measure M program, Orange County’s half-cent sales transportation tax. Through Measure M, OCTA conducted two demonstration projects to lay the groundwork for the Traffic Light Synchronization Program and Regional Traffic Light Synchronization Program. The corridors that are currently synchronized have experienced significant improvements in congestion levels.
The Traffic Light Synchronization Program included 10 major roadways in Orange County that were synchronized between 2009 and 2011 under the Proposition 1B and Measure M. A combined $8 million funds comprised of 533 signalized intersections on 158 miles of Orange County streets and roads.
As part of the Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program (Project P) 2010 Call for Projects, OCTA has awarded nearly $8 million for 17 projects that included 24 local agencies to synchronize more than 400 signals along 140 miles of Orange County streets and roads.
OCTA released the 2011 Call for Projects in fall 2011 for the Measure M2 Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program and is expected to award $12 million towards signal synchronization between 2011 and 2012.
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