More than $18 million invested to date to synchronize nearly 600 intersections
Oct. 10, 2011
ORANGE – Nearly 600 intersections throughout the county have been synchronized and the Orange County Transportation Authority is preparing to synchronize an additional 58 intersections along La Palma Avenue as work gets under way on the next project.
OCTA has invested more than $18 million in Measure M and state funds to improve streets throughout the county through signal synchronization.
To date, Alicia Parkway, Beach Boulevard, Bristol Street/State College Boulevard, Chapman Avenue, Euclid Street, Harbor Boulevard, 17th Street/Westminster Avenue and Oso Parkway have been completed.
Brookhurst Street, Edinger Avenue, El Toro Road and Orangethorpe Avenue are currently being synchronized and on schedule to be completed in the coming months.
Work also is under way and expected to be finished next year on Katella Avenue, Yorba Linda Boulevard, La Palma Avenue and Magnolia Street.
“Signal synchronization is a cost-effective and efficient way to improve our residents’ commutes,” said OCTA Chair Patricia Bates, also the Fifth District Supervisor. “We have made significant progress on the program and look forward to continuing to work with the cities to implement signal synchronization throughout the county.”
Measure M2, the half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements approved in 2006 will synchronize an additional 2,000 signals. As part of the $18 million, Orange County cities have received nearly $8 million to synchronize 17 additional major streets.
Next year, an additional $12 million in M2 funds will be awarded to cities for signal synchronization. A call for projects is currently under way and local agencies have until Dec. 5 to submit applications.
Signal synchronization is a simple concept that has proven to significantly reduce travel times for drivers. The signals are timed to maximize the number of green lights for drivers during the heaviest periods of traffic, ensuring that vehicles are moving in the most efficient manner.
The most recent project along Beach Boulevard increased travel speeds for commuters up to 19 percent, decreased travel times up to 16 percent and reduced the number of stops up to 38 percent.
