Boston City Adjusts Red Lights, Cuts Traffic, Emissions and Consumption

How many times have you been stuck in traffic at a red light for no apparent reason? Most probably, all of you. This summer the Boston Transportation Department decided to take action by performing a series of timing adjustments to traffic signals at 60 intersections in the Back Bay and now the results are in. According to officials, before and after studies showed that the red light adjustments resulted in a reduction in traffic delays of up to 29%. Understandably, less traffic also means less fuel wasted and less C02 emissions. -Continued

In particular, the City of Boston announced that the total fuel consumption savings at the 60 intersections is estimated at a staggering 125,000 gallons per year (!!!) while vehicle emissions are expected to be reduced by 4% to 10% and the total reduction in Carbon Monoxide emissions will most likely be 9.5 tons per year. "I am so pleased with this initiative," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "This is a terrific project with far-reaching benefits. To cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions is a great accomplishment, and easing traffic congestion in the process is icing on the cake.”

In fact the city’s officials are so pleased with the results that they are already proceeding to phase two of the project that will see the retiming of 29 traffic signals in six Boston neighbourhoods (see examples below) while there will also be a phase three that will include the retiming of traffic signals at an additional 91 traffic signals.

Examples of estimated benefits from Phase II:

Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester - Total reduction in traffic delays of 40,000 hours per year. Total reduction in fuel consumption at 30,000 gallons per year. Total reduction in CO emissions at 2.2 tons per year.

Bennington Street, East Boston - Total reduction in traffic delays of 20,000 hours per year. Total reduction in fuel consumption at 20,000 gallons per year. Total reduction in CO emissions at 1.6 tons per year.

Washington Street, Roslindale - Total reduction in Traffic delays of 45,000 hours per year. Total reduction in fuel consumption at 60,000 gallons per year. Total reduction in CO emissions at 4.7 tons per year.

Source: City of Boston