![Palmdale’s Traffic Signal Manager Anthony Provenza. [contributed]](https://www.theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Anthony-Provenza.jpg)
Using $50,000 in funding from Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District, the project includes synchronization of the traffic signals along 10th St. West between Ave. O to Technology; and along Rancho Vista Blvd. between 15th St. West to Palmdale Promenade.
“To improve the flow of traffic, we will be changing the left turn signals at different times of day,” said Traffic Signal Manager Anthony Provenza. “Sometimes the left turn arrow indications will precede the through movement indications, but as the traffic patterns change throughout the day, the opposite may occur. This traffic sequence is called ‘lead /lag operation,’ and the goal is to move the traffic as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The synchronization is in addition to larger and broader $9 million dollar, four-phase project funded by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Prop C grant funds and Local Prop A funds. Phase I began last year and provided for approximately 3 miles of fiber optics installed along Rancho Vista Boulevard, a new traffic signal installation at the intersection of Avenue O-8 and Rancho Vista Boulevard and upgrades to the city’s traffic operations center.
“Fiber optics allows us to see traffic patterns in real-time from our 80-plus cameras located at key intersections throughout the City,” Provenza said. “We can then make on-the-spot changes to the signals in the event of an accident or other situation.”
Phases II and III include the deployment of signal synchronization to arterial corridors, an Advanced Traffic Management System, and the communications necessary to support the system elements along the surface arterials in the North County area of Los Angeles County. The project was awarded to Taft Electric at the August Palmdale City Council Meeting.
It will build upon the past efforts of the North County Transportation Forum agencies in signal synchronization and communications systems by upgrading the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale’s traffic management centers with new system software and hardware, upgrading traffic signal equipment, and connecting the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale to Los Angeles County’s information exchange network.
This project will also include modification of an existing traffic signal at Avenue N and 10th Street West; construction of 7 miles of new fiber conduit in various locations (10th Street West between Avenue M and Avenue 0-4; 25th Street East between Avenue S and Pearblossom Hwy; Pearblossom Highway between 25th Street East to 47th Street East; Avenue S between 40th Street East and 55th St. East); new traffic signals at the intersection of Avenue S and 55th Street East; Pearblossom Highway and 37th Street East and Arnold Drive and 25th Street East; and installation of CCTV’s cameras at various locations.
For more information, call the Public Works Department at 661-267-5300.
[Information via press release from the city of Palmdale.]
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Eric says
Glad to see they’ll be correcting the eastbound left-turn light on Ave P leading to northbound 10th West. At about 5:00PM, that is one of the worse intersections in the valley. Impatient people making a righthand turn from westbound P very often force other cars to hang their rears (or whole) in the intersection. During Christmas, you can multiply that effect. I’m really surprised there aren’t more accidents there.
Tim Scott says
If I was at 47th and S (the heart of Pearland! Pearlanders unite!!!) and wanted to head south on the freeway it would take more than syncing the lights to make me choose S over PBHWY. Though I must admit it has been a long time since I saw the morning traffic on PBHWY so maybe it is bad enough that I would rethink that.
Eric says
The only time I’ve ever had issues with PBHWY is if there is an accident, otherwise it usually flows pretty well. Granted, I jump on at Sierra.
Ryan Hunt says
Could you please sync the lights on S between 47th and the 14 freeway in the morning for all of us folks using S to commute to 14 freeway then to the Valley, that would be awesome! It would alleviate alot of the traffic on Pearblossom, right? There have been some turn lights I thought were not changing because it wouldn’t detect me on my motorcycle and when clear, I would turn. Maybe those are the ones that wait till after the through traffic went. If so, I apologize everybody. I will now wait and have faith that it will still turn. Much love to you all.
William says
@Ryan Hunt
Back in the 90s, I used to leave for work down below at 5AM heading for the SR-14 and drove west on Elizabeth Lake Road and would hit a red light at 10th Street West every morning with no other cars around.
I figured it was permanently fixed to give 10th Street West an always green light for some reason even though I don’t think that direction had the heavier traffic.
I can’t recall which department I called to have them change the light to favor Elizabeth Lake Road/Palmdale Boulevard over 10th Street West and it would last for a few weeks then revert back.
I think there was someone else calling in to have them favor 10th West as it became a little game.
There’s some department you might call that controls those lights but I can’t recall which one. Palmdale City Hall might be able to direct you to the appropriate department for that.
I’m sure syncing the lights could knock off 5 or more minutes from your commute.
InTheKnow says
Ryan, you and other motorcyclists should know that most Palmdale traffic lights use an optical detection system to trigger the sequence. Try to position your bike in the center of the lane slightly Behind the White Limit Line, as you slowly roll to this position the camera should be able to detect your presence better. Happy Rides!
Ryan Hunt says
Actually, I did not know that, InTheKnow. I always thought it was those circles in the pavement that detected the metallic signature of a vehicle over it. Thanks for the knowledge.