OCTA Improves Traffic Flow with Signal Synchronization Projects

Since 2008, OCTA's program has synchronized 3,789 intersections and helped drivers save on time and fuel costs

ORANGE - The Orange County Transportation Authority, in partnership with local cities, the County of Orange and Caltrans, continues to expand its Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program, a Measure M investment that improves traffic flow, reduces congestion and enhances air quality.

The OCTA Board of Directors earlier this month received an annual update on the signal synch program, highlighting the most recent completed projects along Lake Forest Drive in south Orange County and Orangethorpe Avenue in the north, both of which delivered measurable benefits for drivers.

"Signal synchronization is about making everyday driving easier for people across Orange County," said OCTA Chair Doug Chaffee, also Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Fourth District Supervisor. "By better coordinating traffic lights, drivers can spend less time stopped at red lights, save on gas, and enjoy a smoother trip. It's a simple, cost-effective improvement that shows how Measure M continues to deliver real benefits to the community."

Recent improvements that illustrate the benefits include:

• Lake Forest Drive - New signal timing plans were introduced along 7.5 miles from Portola Parkway to Romano/Hidden Canyon, improving travel times by 13% and average speeds by 15%.
• Orangethorpe Avenue - Signals were synchronized across 17.3 miles from Walker Street to New River Road, resulting in a 13% reduction in travel time and a 15% increase in average speed.

These improvements finished this year build on more than a decade of countywide efforts, with OCTA and partner agencies completing 109 synchronization projects since 2008, including 27 that were revisited and retimed to reflect new traffic conditions. The projects are funded with money from Measure M, the county's half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

Studies measuring the benefits of the projects over the last 17 years show that the projects reduced average travel times by 13%, decreased stops by 28% and increased average speeds by 14%. These improvements are projected to save drivers nearly $250 million in fuel costs and prevent significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.

Five additional corridors were also retimed in 2025, with performance evaluations underway. These include MacArthur Boulevard/Talbert Avenue, Red Hill Avenue, Tustin Avenue/Rose Drive, First Street/Bolsa Avenue, and Barranca Parkway/Dyer Road/Segerstrom Avenue/Slater Avenue. Taken together, these projects span more than 56 miles and nearly 240 intersections.

There are currently 30 active projects underway, representing $78 million in investments and covering an additional 283 miles of roadway. More than three-quarters of these efforts revisit previously completed corridors to ensure signals continue to match evolving traffic patterns.

By working with cities, the County and Caltrans, OCTA has shown that regional cooperation is critical to making meaningful improvements along existing infrastructure. The synchronization program helps make travel more efficient, safer and more reliable, while also cutting emissions across Orange County.

For more information about the Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program, visit https://www.octa.net/signalsync.

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