‘We Need To Get Out Of The ’80s’: Traffic Light Upgrade Comes To Mobile

Mobile, Alabama (WKRG) — The frustration of sitting at a red light for too long in Mobile is soon over. This is due to the City of Mobile and his partnership with ALDOT.

“Now is the time to modernize,” says ALDOT Signaling Systems Engineer Jeremy Borden. “It’s time to upgrade our equipment. We need to get out of the 80’s and into the 21st century.^cent century. “

Each traffic light has been upgraded with a new computer, part of the Regional Traffic Operations Program, allowing real-time control of traffic lights.

“It saves minutes on smaller trips and half an hour on longer trips,” said Jennifer White, city’s Director of Mobile Traffic Engineers.

According to ALDOT, this is projected to save drivers 20% of driving time by reducing “green” time caused by fixed hours. If there is no one on the road now, the driver may sit at a red light for 15-45 seconds longer than he should.

RTOP also fixes the light synchronization problem, which Borden said was another bane facing mobile drivers.

“After 500 feet, the next light turned red,” Boden said. “So you’re going to go 500 feet up and start all over again.”

More than 100 traffic lights have now been upgraded, including major roads such as Government Street and parts of Airport Boulevard.

When completed by the end of 2024, Mobile will be the first city in Alabama to have its traffic lights fully operated by RTOP.