ORLANDO, Fla. – Michelle from Merritt Island reached out to ask why traffic lights in her area are so insanely long.
It’s a great question and one I hear often. While I can’t speak to the exact programming of a single intersection, I can share how traffic lights are managed in Brevard County and what drivers can do if they think something’s not working properly.
Traffic Operations in Brevard County oversee all traffic control devices. Their job is to make sure lights, signals, and timing plans are in place to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. To decide how long a light should be, traffic engineers conduct surveys and studies that measure traffic flow, peak travel times, and roadway safety needs.
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Not all traffic lights are the same. In fact, Brevard uses two main types of detection systems:
In-ground sensors: These are built right into the road and can detect the weight or presence of a vehicle. They help determine when it’s time to keep a light green or change it to red.
Overhead sensors: These often look like small cameras mounted above intersections. Instead of filming, they sense the flow of vehicles to help adjust light timing.
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If you ever feel that a traffic signal is not working properly, whether it’s too long, too short, or not responding, you can contact Brevard County’s Traffic Operations Center. When you call in, a maintenance ticket can be issued, and crews will check the system to see if adjustments or repairs are needed.
So, the next time you’re waiting at what feels like the longest red light in Brevard, know there’s science (and some sensors) behind it and help is just a phone call away if something doesn’t seem right.