Stop lights (Austin, Avery: pros and cons, cars, rating)

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Why are the stop lights fifteen minutes long? I swear we sit at the lights for way longer than we did back where we came from. I don't know if it's my imagination or not.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots

Why are the stop lights fifteen minutes long? I swear we sit at the lights for way longer than we did back where we came from. I don't know if it's my imagination or not.

I feel your pain...I thought Avery Ranch Blvd @ Parmer was at least that long...turns out it was actually a minute-forty-five. These delayed left turn arrows and one-direction traffic per light take a little getting used to.

[love roses]

It's not your imagination. There are some real doozies around here.

[TexasHorseLady]

Perhaps because people used to complain about only two or three cars being able to go through each change of light?

[iceshots]

Yup. There are pros and cons to everything. I used to get impatient at the long lights, but in heavy traffic it is real nice to get through on the first light and not have to wait through 3 of 4 cycles. It is still frustrating when traffic is light.

Welcome to Austin!!!!

[arenetwork]

Try to get out of Great Hills. You might want to pack a lunch.

[love roses]

I've actually started bringing things to read while I sit at those eternal red lights.

[capcat]

I put my car in park, waiting for the east-bound traffic to come in off of 2222 onto Northland. I have to be ready though, my turn lasts about 10 -12 seconds it seems. I'm generally okay as long as no one runs the 2222 light and tries to fit a couple more cars through their turn, blocking the intersection and my chance to go.

[readymade]

Originally Posted by capcat

I put my car in park, waiting for the east-bound traffic to come in off of 2222 onto Northland. I have to be ready though, my turn lasts about 10 -12 seconds it seems. I'm generally okay as long as no one runs the 2222 light and tries to fit a couple more cars through their turn, blocking the intersection and my chance to go.

I sit at that light EVERY FRIKKIN' DAY. Horrible.

[txgolfer130]

While some of the lights around Austin are notoriously long, there are many lights in the area that are sensor activated. That is there is a loop, that connect to the light control switching box near the intersection (usually only on major intersections). The easiest tip off, as you're approaching the cross-walks at the intersection, look at the first one you'll be crossing. If there seems to be or has been repairs in that section of the road (actual lines cut into the road, not pot-holes or anything bigger), then that intersection will have a sensor underneath the cross-walk. If you go too far into the cross-walk your tires will not be on top of the sensor. Stop too short, and the same thing.

Hope that helps.