Why do I have to wait so long to get a green light or a “Walk” signal?

Traffic signals that run with coordinated operations are part of a corridor of connected traffic signals that run a timing plan which ensures traffic along the route can flow properly. When the traffic signals are timed efficiently, vehicles traveling along the corridor experience a “green band,” which means that they will receive consecutive green lights along the corridor and not be stopped at every side street. In order for the signals to be coordinated, there are specific points in the timing cycle where the side street can turn green.

Drivers waiting at a side street may experience seemingly long waits because the side street’s operations are constrained by the timing plan of the corridor. Reducing the length of the red light time for drivers (or “Don’t Walk” for pedestrians) waiting on the side street would impact the coordinated nature of the major street corridor, leading to an overall increase in delay.

Traffic signals are programmed with various other timing parameters that serve to minimize overall delay at an intersection. However, if the wait time is more than 120 seconds, there may be a problem with the traffic signal. If this occurs, please contact Transportation and Engineering.

See Signal Intersection List (PDF) to determine if the county is responsible for the traffic signal.

Show All Answers

1. What do I do when I see a dark or flashing traffic signal?
2. What happens to Jefferson County traffic signals when they lose power?
3. Who regulates traffic in Jefferson County?
4. Who builds and maintains traffic signals in Jefferson County?
5. How do traffic signals work?
6. Who maintains flashing school zone beacons?
7. How does the county decide when a traffic signal should be installed? Will a traffic signal reduce accidents at an intersection?
8. What is the purpose of cameras at signalized intersections?
9. Are traffic signals in Jefferson County coordinated to reduce or eliminate the need to stop at red lights?
10. Once a driver turns onto a street where the traffic signals are coordinated, is it correct that the driver should not have to stop?
11. Do any traffic signals not run in coordination with other traffic signals?
12. Why is there a “Walk” symbol when no pedestrians are present?
13. How do signals for pedestrians work?
14. Why do I have to wait so long to get a green light or a “Walk” signal?
15. Do emergency vehicles get priority at signalized intersections in Jefferson County?
16. Is it possible for two conflicting directions of traffic at a signalized intersection to receive green lights at the same time?
17. How does a flashing yellow left-turn arrow work?