Traffic light synchronization improves congestion in Orange County

OCTA, Caltrans & cities partner to coordinate traffic lights

As a driver, it can often be difficult to travel through multiple cities without stopping at numerous red lights. That is because most traffic signal synchronization programs today are limited to segments of roads within city limits. OCTA’s goal is to improve the flow of traffic in your community by developing and implementing traffic light coordination across city boundaries. Once streets are synchronized, you will pass through more green lights before stopping.

With Orange County’s population estimated to increase 11 percent by 2030, OCTA, in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the County of Orange and all 34 cities, is currently developing a master plan to coordinate traffic lights across the county in an effort to ease growing traffic demands.

Traffic lights synchronized during peak hours

Traffic light synchronization allows a series of lights along a street to turn green based on a set of synchronized timers set to current traffic patterns and congestion levels. Once synchronization is implemented along a roadway the intersection timers are optimized, followed by a fine-tuning period. Coordination, or synchronized timing, is designed to move a group of cars through several signals in the primary direction during peak hours.

The synchronization system is usually activated during all peak traffic hours. To better serve all drivers during off peak hours, when traffic is lighter and generally more balanced between side streets and major streets, signal synchronization is turned off and each intersection is operated independently from coordinated timers.

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 unnecessary idling at red lights
• Vehicle emissions are reduced because cars run more efficiently

More green lights than red

Although it is not possible to hit a green light at every intersection, traffic light synchronization coordinates signals according to recorded congestion levels, allowing you to travel further in less time by reducing stops.

• Expect more green lights, not every green light
• 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

Expanding signal synchronization is a cost-effective way to increase street and road capacity without major new construction. OCTA, which administers the Measure M program, conducted two demonstration projects to lay the groundwork for the development of the Traffic Light Synchronization Master Plan. The two pilot streets experienced significant improvements in congestion levels.

Ten major roadways in Orange County will be synchronized between 2009 and 2011 under the Proposition 1B Traffic Light Synchronization Program. A combined $8 million from Measure M and the state funds are allocated for this program.

Beginning in 2011, Renewed Measure M – a continuation of Orange County’s half-cent transportation sales tax – will fund the synchronization of more than 2,000 signalized intersections across the county.