Millions Awarded To Signal Synchronization Projects

$8 million is heading to Orange County streets after the Orange County Transportation Authority board voted today to deliver the first signal synchronization funds to cities under the voter-approved Measure M2.

The money will go toward the synchronization of traffic signals along 17 major streets in Orange County. The projects will get under way this year and cover more than 500 signals along approximately 140 miles of roadway.

"This is an exciting milestone and we are very happy to start delivering on the promises made under the renewed Measure M to cities throughout Orange County," said OCTA chair Patricia Bates, also the Fifth District supervisor. "These are the first in what will be a long list of signal synchronization projects to make the lives of our residents better over the next 30 years."

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.

Twelve cities will receive funds for the signal synchronization projects, which in recent pilot projects reduced travel times for drivers on Oso Parkway by up to 30 percent and on Euclid Street by up to nearly 25 percent.

Measure M2 is Orange County's half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements and was approved by 70 percent of voters in 2006. The program officially went into effect April 1 and is expected to bring in approximately $15 billion during the next 30 years.