Pedestrian Facilities

Improving signal synchronization reduces traffic congestion in addition to reducing carbon emissions caused by idling traffic. Updating the timing to pedestrian and bicycle standards will create a safer and more enjoyable environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

The City commissioned a five-phase signal synchronization project beginning in 2004. The first and second phases covered the Downtown area and were completed by 2008. Phase 3 covered three major arterials, Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard and Pico Boulevard. Phase 4 covered most of the remainder of the City except for a few outlying areas that will be implemented in a final Phase 5.

This indicator measures the City’s progress of the 5-phase signal synchronization project. Signal synchronization involves upgrading traffic signals along a route to keep the signals synchronized. The project looks at the entire Downtown grid in order to: 1) optimize the flow of traffic for both east-west and north-south streets, 2) create timing plans for morning, mid-day and afternoon traffic peaks, 3) update the signal timing to current pedestrian and bicycle standards, and 4) create timing plans for weekends and special events.