OCTA Helps Reduce Congestion, Boost Travel Efficiency By Synchronizing Traffic Signals Across Orange County

9/23/2024

Through Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program, OCTA continues improving traffic flow on O.C. streets while reducing air pollution

ORANGE - The Orange County Transportation Authority continues to help transform the way residents and visitors navigate the county, significantly improving travel times, reducing vehicle emissions, and enhancing overall road safety through its Signal Synchronization Program.

An annual update on the program funded by the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation known as Measure M was presented to the OCTA Board of Directors earlier this month and demonstrated how the program continues to have a positive impact on mobility.

"For more than a decade, OCTA has strategically invested in signal-synchronization projects that optimize existing roadways, minimizing the need for costly new infrastructure, and helping people get where they need to be efficiently," said OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen. "This program not only eases congestion but also contributes to cleaner air and a more sustainable future for our community."

Since the program began in 2008, highlights of the program include:

• Allocating approximately $102.6 million on a competitive basis
• Successfully completing 107 projects along 954 miles of roadway
• Benefiting more than 3,700 signalized intersections across Orange County.

Signal synchronization involves the coordination of traffic signal systems across multiple jurisdictions, allowing for drivers to travel more efficiently with more green lights and fewer stops and idling.

The program requires extensive collaboration among local agencies. By synchronizing traffic signals, OCTA enhances the flow of vehicles and improves safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Through the program, OCTA facilitates annual competitive calls for funding, allowing agencies to access 80% of funding through Measure M, complemented by 20% in matching local funds. The program also leverages additional resources, such as state funds through SB 1 - the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 - and Solutions for Congested Corridors grants, ensuring that every dollar is used efficiently.

Recent data from the program shows:

• Average travel time has been reduced by 13%
• Average number of stops has decreased by 29%
• Drivers are enjoying an average speed increase of 14%, leading to savings on fuel costs.

By reducing stops and optimizing traffic flow, the program decreased greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.27 billion pounds, significantly contributing to regional air quality improvement.

OCTA continues to look to the future, with 26 additional signal synchronization projects in various stages of implementation, which will synchronize an additional 1,362 signalized intersections and cover 268 miles of roadway.

Today (Monday, Sept. 23), the OCTA Board of Directors approved the release of the invitation for bids, initiating a competitive procurement process for the construction of signalized intersection infrastructure along three signal synchronization projects in south Orange County: Bake Parkway and Rockfield Boulevard, Crown Valley Parkway, and Moulton Parkway. The construction associated with this procurement will support the implementation of signal synchronization timing plans to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion.

For more information on this and other OCTA transportation programs, visit www.octa.net/signalsync.

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