Octa's transportation blog

Synchronized Signals Keep OC Traffic Flowing

Since 2008, OCTA has helped motorists move smoothly through Orange County by synchronizing traffic signals to improve the flow of traffic. Funded by Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, the Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program (RTSSP) reduces delays and congestion, improves travel times, and makes it possible to sail efficiently through a succession of green lights.

At its meeting on July 25, the Board received a report on the program. Working with local agencies, OCTA has implemented signal synchronization for 38 projects that included 1,682 signalized intersections and 436 miles of streets. As a result of the program, motorists benefit in many ways:

  • by saving money on fuel
  • reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions
  • trimming an average of 13 percent off travel times
  • reducing the number of average stops by 31 percent
  • improving average safe speed by 15 percent

Currently, OCTA is funding an additional 49 signal synchronization projects that are in various stages of implementation. Once completed, these projects will synchronize an additional 347 miles and 1,326 signals.