Traffic signal operations receive poor grades
WASHINGTON This comes as no surprise to people who play the red-light-green-light game. A new survey says the country's traffic signals are inefficient and need some work. It was prepared by a coalition that included the Federal Highway Administration and various transportation groups.
The report says out-of-whack signals cause too much stop-and-go traffic, which frustrates drivers, wastes gas and increases air pollution.
The report says most areas don't have a viable plan for traffic signal operation, don't have the staff to monitor traffic before and after normal work hours, and don't conduct regular reviews.
It may be a matter of money. The report estimates that improving the system could cost about 965 (m) million dollars a year.
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