Willow Glen Resident

News

San Jose traffic lights to be synchronized in massive overhaul

A three-year project to coordinate all of San Jose's traffic signals has been approved by city leaders to help ease congestion and conserve fuel.

The San Jose City Council on Aug. 12 accepted a $15 million state grant to pay for new signal timing, and the city will contribute $5 million to complete it. The state money stemmed from Proposition 1B and was divided by the California Transportation Commission.

The program adds more than 140 traffic management cameras to allow real-time signal adjustments at congested intersections in San Jose. It also will expand traffic management programs to heavily used streets near Westfield Valley Fair shopping mall, Santana Row, Westfield Oakridge mall and other areas.

Workers also plan to install signal communication lines to under-served areas, including Willow Glen, Cambrian and West San Jose, according to city documents.

Signal synchronization is expected to eliminate 840,000 hours of driving delays and reduce fuel consumption by 625,000 gallons. City officials hope to finish design and procurement for the project in its first year and install systems in the second and third years.

"This is a tremendous benefit for the city," said Jim Ortbal, San Jose's assistant director of transportation.

Only Los Angeles received more money than San Jose in the state transportation commission's decision, and city leaders credited a strong presentation from San Jose city staff and Carl Guardino, who is president and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group and a member of the commission.