The quality of flow along a street is a function of the following:
Spacing of intersections along the street
Prevailing speed of traffic on the street
Traffic signal cycle length
Operation of the traffic signal equipment
Many drivers ask why they have to wait so long for a signal to change. Many of these drivers are waiting to enter a major arterial street from a side street. This is even more frustrating when no traffic can be seen on the arterial.
The City of Irvine offers a scholarship program to help low-income Irvine residents participate in programs offered through the Community Services Department at a reduced rate. The program has limited funds available. Scholarships are granted on a first-come basis after applications are reviewed and approved. The program may be closed to new applications when funds run low.
To report a concern related to traffic signals, please call our Irvine Traffic Research and Control Center (ITRAC) at 949-724-7324.
Each year, the City receives many inquiries concerning the operation and installation of traffic signals within the City. The public's understanding of the function of traffic signals can improve driving habits by reducing speeding and associated traffic accidents. The more drivers know about the operation of traffic signals the less they will be frustrated when waiting for a signal to change.
FOR Families provides free information and short-term support to individuals, couples, and families living in Irvine who need assistance identifying and accessing needed services and resources. Since the late 1980s, our focus has been on supporting the well-being of our community members.
View more information here on what to expect when contacting FOR Families.
The City of Irvine is involved in a number of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) activities in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and leading research organizations such as the University of California Transportation Studies at UC, Irvine.
The City of Irvine is a partner to the California Research Program with Caltrans and UC, Irvine that is designed to demonstrate the capabilities of real-time interconnectivity and data sharing between organizations.
Traffic Signal Synchronization is a traffic engineering technique of matching the green light times for a series of intersections to enable the maximum number of vehicles to pass through, thereby reducing stops and delays experienced by motorists. Synchronizing traffic signals ensures a better flow of traffic and minimizes gas consumption and pollutant emissions.
Traffic signals assign the right-of-way to various traffic movements for different time intervals depending on average traffic flow levels. Pre-timed signals have pre-set intervals for different times of the day including the morning, noon and evening peak travel periods. The City has a few fixed-time signals, primarily in construction areas.
Pedestrian signal improve pedestrian safety at traffic lights crossing. For many years, traffic volumes were much lower, and pedestrians could take their cues from the same traffic lights as motorists. Things are more complicated today, so pedestrian signals were introduced to provide means to separate the pedestrian from the motorists at the intersection.
The Traffic Engineering and Circulation Division receives many requests to install marked crosswalks. Although such requests reflect a concern for pedestrians' welfare, we have found that marked crosswalks do not necessarily result in increased pedestrian safety.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to your community and directly help those in need. Listed below are City programs that accept volunteers. Additional information by area of interest, including how to make donations to City programs, can be found in the links to the left or at cityofirvine.org/irvinegives.