Light retiming keeps commuters moving

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - City traffic engineers in Va. Beach retimed 20 intersection lights along the Indian River Rd. corridor this past February. According to the city, the lights have helped reduce commute times.

The retimed signals are along Indian River Rd. between Military Hwy. and Ferrell Pkwy, as well as on Military Hwy. from Wayside Inn to Auburn Drive.

According to a news release from the City of Virginia Beach, the morning commute towards the interstate,along Indian River Road, was reduced from 12 minutes to 7 minutes; a reduction of 5 minutes or 40 percent. The afternoon commute from the interstate was reduced from 14 minutes to 9 minutes; a reduction of 5 minutes or 36 percent.

The city says this is the first of several similar projects scheduled to be implemented throughout the city. Town Center is the next area to be addressed, according to the city.

The city also plans to retime lights in the areas of Virginia Beach Blvd., Lynnhaven Pkwy. and First Colonial Road/Laskin Road.

The Institute of Traffic Engineers says signal retiming is the most cost-effective way to reduce congestion.

The city says after five years, the total lifetime benefit of the project is estimated at $5,943,515.