Driving through multiple cities stopping at red lights is difficult and time consuming. OC Go helps synchronize traffic lights across the county to improve the quality of your drive. To date, OCTA has synchronized more than 2,000 signalized intersections.
OCTA approved $8.9 million for six synchronization projects designed to reduce travel times, stops and delays, and emissions along Orangethorpe Avenue, Katella Avenue/Villa Park/Santiago Canyon, Main Street, Los Alisos Boulevard, Culver Drive/Bonita Canyon/Ford, and Garden Grove Boulevard. Additionally, OCTA leveraged approximately $900,000 in past project savings to secure $6.5 million in Senate Bill 1 Local Partnership Program funds.
In 2018, OCTA implemented 12 projects* that synchronized 348 signals along 84.1 miles. The corridors include Artesia Boulevard, Ball Road, Bake Parkway, Birch Street/Rose Drive, Bristol Street, Chapman Avenue, El Toro Road (west of I-5), Harbor Boulevard (Anaheim), Harbor Boulevard (Santa Ana), Moulton Parkway, Newport Boulevard (South), and Seal Beach/Los Alamitos Boulevard.
There are 29 projects planned or in progress through the Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program. To date, the program has resulted in:
- Implementation of 74 unique traffic signal synchronization corridor projects
- $98 million in funding awarded by the OCTA Board of Directors
Nearly 60% ($57 million) of the funding has been spent for updated Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) infrastructure, interconnecting 2,557 signalized intersections along 655 miles of roadway. This infrastructure provides the mechanism for coordinating the traffic signal systems and the communications pathways needed for future data sharing and connections.
Because of the new synchronized timing, people stopped less at red lights and proceeded through more green lights. Over the course of all projects, the average travel time savings was 13%. This resulted from an average speed increase of 2 to 5 miles per hour combined with an overall stop reduction of 30%. Because they experienced less stop-and-go traffic, Orange County drivers saved money on gas and reduced emissions and greenhouse gases.
*Since the last update to the Board, five projects have been implemented. The completed projects will be reported to the Board later this year after staff receives final reports and project costs.