The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) just finished a massive project in Mobile, retiming 682 traffic lights to keep cars moving. It took three phases, but now it’s done.
The goal? Shorter wait times, smoother commutes, and fewer drivers pulling their hair out in traffic.
Did it work? Some say yes. Some say they haven’t noticed.
But one thing’s for sure—Mobile’s traffic lights got a serious glow-up.
A Faster Commute on Airport Boulevard?
If you’ve ever felt like Airport Boulevard was out to ruin your day, good news!
ALDOT’s data shows travel times along the stretch have improved by 26% since the project wrapped up.
That means fewer red lights stopping you on the way to work, lunch, or your favorite coffee spot.
Of course, not everyone agrees.
Some drivers haven’t noticed a change, while others say they’re making it through rush hour with a little less stress.
Either way, a quarter of an hour saved here and there adds up fast.
More Than Just Airport—Other Roads Got a Boost
This wasn’t just about Airport Boulevard. Traffic lights on Old Shell Road, Hillcrest Road, Dauphin Street, and University Boulevard also got a retiming makeover.
Some drivers swear they’re hitting fewer reds, while others are still waiting for that magic moment when every light turns green at the perfect time.
For those who drive at peak hours—like parents on the school run or workers heading home at 5 p.m.—the small changes can make a big difference. A few less stop-and-go moments? That’s a win.
The Good, The Bad, and The Backup
While some are feeling the smoother flow, others still see room for improvement.
A visitor from Tampa pointed out that Mobile has a lot of lights close together, which can lead to bottlenecks. Fair point.
But with this project finished, ALDOT’s next step is upgrading vehicle motion sensors at intersections.
That means lights that actually react to traffic instead of making drivers wait when there’s no one else around.
If this next phase works as planned, more drivers could see green when they need it—no more stopping for invisible cars.
What’s Next for Mobile’s Roads?
Now that the light retiming project is done, ALDOT is shifting gears to modernize sensors at key intersections.
Smarter lights mean better traffic flow, which could make commutes even smoother in the future.
For now, the project is officially complete, and Mobile’s roadways are a little more fine-tuned.
Whether you’ve noticed the difference or not, one thing is clear—traffic is always changing, and little tweaks can lead to big improvements over time.
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