Motorists may notice signals have been adjusted to allow traffic flow patterns to resume to pre-pandemic levels. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has reverted all traffic signals to pre-pandemic timing patterns, consistent with the lifting of other state and local restrictions on June 15.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles experienced an unprecedented decline in the number of cars on the road as well as a dramatic increase in unsafe driving behavior including speeding. To prevent speeding, LADOT shifted traffic signal patterns to night mode in April 2020, which interrupts successive green lights along major corridors. In recent weeks, traffic volumes have rebounded, averaging approximately 90-95% of pre-pandemic levels. The new signal prioritization patterns will reduce congestion while promoting safe driving during hours when streets have fewer cars, according to LADOT officials.

While normal signal patterns will return during daylight hours, signals will switch to night mode from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Prior to the pandemic, night mode went into effect at 9 p.m.

As an additional safety measure, automatic pedestrian signals will remain in place at crosswalks. During the pandemic, the LADOT converted almost 900 intersections to automatic recall signals to eliminate the need for people to touch high contact surfaces such as traffic signal buttons. For information, visit ladotlivablestreets.org.