Traffic Lights to Work in Synch

A computerized brain will soon be in charge of synchronizing some Temecula traffic lights.

The City Council got a grant that will help pay for installing an adaptive traffic signal synchronization program on six major corridors.

“The project system will continually analyze and evaluate traffic data along each corridor and improve safety, operations and provide measurable data to increase the effective capacity of local streets and roads along each corridor, minimize delays and reduce vehicle emissions,” wrote Greg Butler, the director of public works, in a staff report.

The six corridors are Winchester, Rancho California, Margarita and Ynez roads, Temecula Parkway and Jefferson Avenue, according to the agreement. The traffic lights on each corridor will get new computer chips, said Arthur Pina, an engineer with the city.

The chips are a small change that can make a big difference, Pina said. "We see a little piece that will give us a little better performance."

The biggest change will be the way the signals will work to let the maximum number of drivers through signals possible during rush hour at busy intersections, Pina said.

He compared controlling traffic through intersections to putting potatos in sacks. "You're not going to put 100 pounds of potatoes in a 50 pound bag," he said, but in some places, the current system is "putting in 25 pounds" into 50 pound sacks.

The project will cost $618,000. The city got a $515,000 grant from the California Transportation Commission that will pay for part of the cost. The system should be fully functional in the next two months, Butler said.

The city was one of 118 municipalities to apply for a grant for the light synchronizing project in March, 2008. It was one of 62 to win the grant, which totaled $98 million throughout the state, according to city documents.