Why Some El Paso Traffic Lights Take So Freakin’ Long

There are about a zillion traffic signals around El Paso and, sometimes, it seems like each one has a mind of its own.

I'm kidding, we don't have a "zillion" traffic signals in El Chuco. Believe it or not, we don't even have 1,000. According to the El Paso city website, there are 650 intersection signals around town. If you care, we also have 180 school flashers and 67 traffic warning flashers. (The flashing warning lights around stop signs for example.)

Not all of the signals around the 915 operate the same way, some are timed and some are triggered by sensors. They also don't change colors at the same intervals.

How Are Traffic Signals Timed?

The colors rotate at different intervals around the city based on the amount of traffic.

Randy Garcia, the city’s director of streets and maintenance, said traffic lights are timed using a citywide synchronization system that prioritizes major roads that carry the most vehicles. As a result, busier streets — including routes leading to I-10 — are typically given more green time, while drivers on side streets may wait longer. - kfox

Garcia recommended driving the speed limit as a way to get through town the quickest and also offered a reminder that yellow lights mean slow down, prepare to stop. Not stomp on the accelerator to beat the red.

Do The White Lines At Intersections Matter?

Yep. If you see electronic equipment above the intersection, (cameras, etc), stop at the white line, not over it or too far behind it. Those camera looking things are monitoring the line and telling the system that you're there so that it will initiate a new cycle.

READ MORE: Traffic Signal "Green Waves" May Be Coming To El Paso

The signal times are not set in stone and can be changed for various reasons like major events and construction. If you notice a signal that's not acting right, call 311 or click here.