SEAL BEACH : Plan to Synchronize Traffic Signals OKd

The City Council has decided to move ahead with a traffic signal project along Seal Beach Boulevard.

The project, which calls for the replacement of some old signals and the synchronization of others, is being carried out in conjunction with the city of Los Alamitos.

The cities will receive $190,000 in Measure M funds from the Orange County Transportation Authority to pay for the improvements.

The program will affect traffic signals on Seal Beach and Los Alamitos boulevards between Lampson and Farquhar avenues. The goal is to improve the flow of traffic through both cities, said Seal Beach City Manager Jerry L. Bankston.

Outdated computers that control the signals will be replaced by new computers. Signals along the route will be coordinated so that drivers face fewer stop lights.

The council this week approved the plan on a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Frank Laszlo opposing the measure.

Laszlo, a longtime critic of signal synchronization, said the project might force drivers trying to turn onto Seal Beach Boulevard from side streets to wait longer at stop lights.