More Traffic Signals Synchronized Across Orange County

Local drivers should be seeing many more synchronized traffic signals and saving time thanks to the Orange County Transportation Authority’s signal synchronization efforts.

An update for the OCTA’s board last week showed that some 1,074 intersections along 269 miles of streets have been synchronized in the last five years. 

That’s halfway toward the goal of 2,000 intersections along 750 miles of roadway. The OCTA expects to reach those numbers in 2016.

"It’s exciting to see the quick progress that’s been made in this effort to synchronize signals and save time and money for our residents," said OCTA Chairman Greg Winterbottom. "More green lights translates into fewer delays, less fuel consumption and a reduction in greenhouse gases."

More than $13 million has been dedicated to the signal synchronization since 2008 through Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

Signals are timed to ensure drivers hit the most green lights during peak traffic periods – morning, midday and evening. The projects improve traffic flow in all 34 Orange County cities.

How does synchronization help? A study showed that it reduced stops at red lights by 23 percent to 50 percent, with an average reduction of 36 percent.