You can report traffic signal problems and learn more about the City's improvements with signal timing.   

• Traffic Signal Hotline - 480-782-3469

Traffic Signal Timing

The expression "Timing is everything" is commonly associated with new business ventures, movie releases, advertising campaigns and marriage proposals, but nowhere is this statement more passionately embraced than in the world of traffic signal operation.

The traffic engineer’s world of intermittent reds, yellows and greens is a science unto itself, and those who master its complexity can save commuters significant amounts of time and money. In the case of Chandler’s traffic control network, recent signal timing improvements are expected to produce annual savings of nearly $1.8 million in fuel and travel time.

Revised signal timings have reduced vehicle delays an average of 30 percent during AM peak periods (6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m), 18 percent during off-peak periods and seven percent during PM peak periods (3:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.), according to City Signal Systems Engineers. Fewer delays also mean less air pollution. It is estimated that carbon monoxide emissions will be reduced by 150,000 pounds per year and annual reductions in nitrous oxide and volatile organic compounds are expected to total 64,000 pounds.

Signal System Engineers analyzed the City’s traffic signal network using specialized software that assessed the network’s performance in terms of signal delay, stops per vehicle, average speed, and a number of fuel consumption and environmental criteria. The dollar value applied to time and fuel savings was calculated using information provided by the American Association of Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG).

A "cycle length" is the time required for a traffic signal to service all directions of travel. Analysis showed that a cycle length of 94 seconds during peak hours and 80 seconds in off-peak hours would provide the most efficient operation and improve synchronization with adjacent communities. Previous timing patterns utilized a mix of cycle lengths that included 80, 90, 100, and 110 second cycles.

For Information, contact:

Jim Phipps, public information officer
480-782-2225