Los Angeles CA
2-16-2024 5:49pm

L.A. Traffic Signals - The Basics

Signal synchronization throughout L.A. was completed in 2013. Signals are installed but not activated...for a year. What impedes adding to the synchronization? Legislation?

Hierarchy: https://ladot.lacity.gov/dotnews/weekly-update-january-11-2024

  • The Los Angeles Department of Transportation manages traffic signals.  
  • LA DOT is managed by
    •  L.A. City Council "Transportation Committee" 
      • Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 1:30pm
        • There is only one item on the next meeting 2/21/24 Meeting (primegov.com) 
          CONTINUED FROM DECEMBER 6, 2023           Los Angeles Department of Transportation report relative to the Traffic Enforcement Alternatives Project and related matters. Please Note Public Comment Will Be Taken In-Person Only. ROOM 401, CITY HALL200 NORTH SPRING STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90012.    Submit written comment at LACouncilComment.com
      • Chairman - Councilmember Hutt
      • Vice-Chairman - Councilmember Park
      • Councilmembers: Hernandez, Raman, Yaroslavsky
    • BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONERS
      • Eric R. Eisenberg, President
      • Douglas Tohom
      • John Ly
      • Cris Liban
      • Jazmin Ortega
      • Dr. Sheila Tejada
      • Donna Choi
    • However, according to a January 11, 2024 press release from the LA DOT General Manager in discussing "comprehensive new street designs will help improve the transportation experience for all"

"we've often been limited by a sneaky little document called the Federal Manual of Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which governs all road markings, speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals across the U.S. A few weeks ago the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the 11th MUTCD, and thanks to years of work from safe streets advocates and Cities like LA, it comes with significant reforms that support safer streets. I'm excited to see us put these new guidelines into practice in future projects. Take a look at NACTO's statement about the new MUTCD, or the manual itself to learn more!"   

Originally there were 5 automated traffic signals in Los Angeles in 1920, manufactured by the Acme Traffic Signal Co. Three years later that had increased to 31. Early Traffic Signals in Los Angeles - LAmag.  Today there are 4850 traffic signals across 7500+ miles.

City-Wide Signal Synchronization  ladot-atsac-signals-_-fact-sheet-2-14-2016.pdf 

  • Started by former Mayor Tom Bradley as part of the traffic plan for the 1984 Olympic Games. At which point 118 traffic signals were synchronized.
  • Traffic signals are timed by LADOT traffic engineers based on a number of technical and policy criteria, including conformance with state law as codified in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). The requirements of the CA MUTCD change periodically to reflect changes in the federal MUTCD as well as new practices and solutions in the field of traffic engineering.
  • Measure 1B provided the money needed to complete.
  • Mayor Villaraigosa had promised completion when he took office in 2005. He "flipped the switch" on the final addition, the final light added to the system, 2/19/2013 with much fan-fare. 
  • 2/19/2013 there were 4,398 traffic signals in the Automated Traffic Surveillance & Control (ATSAC) system.
  • December 2016, the system includes 4,689 signalized intersections that control over 7,500 centerline miles of city streets.
  • There are now over 4850 signals across 7500+ miles of city streets managed by ATSAC according to LADOT 2022-2023 annual report. annual-report-2022_2023.pdf (lacity.gov)
  • For more information about LADOT’s signal synchronization system, please contact our communications office at dot_public_info@lacity.org or (213) 972 - 8406.

How can I submit a service request for a broken traffic signal (signal dark, damaged pole, etc.), or to report a routine maintenance street issue (missing, faded or defaced signs, faded curb paint, etc.)?

Submit service requests by either calling 311 or online using our Service Request page.

RELATED:  L.A. Streetlighting - The Basics | San Fernando Valley News Portal (town.news)

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