Natwerk Designs

Why do we use a traffic light system to stop for traffic?

I believe a simple solution would be to just bypass the light by building a bridge, or an underpass, at each street intersection to let traffic cross by each other. I know it sounds really simple, but I can't think of any reason why we must have a light system unless to let pedestrians walk, but even they can have a bridge or tunnel crosswalk. Also, if a car has to turn left or right, this can also be designed for. This will alleviate traffic congestion, will be more time efficient, save electric energy. It will take some building or digging, but I think it beats other costly measures. In Los Angeles, traffic entrances an exits cause the most freeway traffic, all due to lights. Do you all agree, if not please make the argument for traffic lights? Okay scratch the bridge concept. What if we just dig and make the existing street the bridge, so that essentially we just have underpasses. Is digging really going to be that expensive? It might be worth it. At least at congested, problematic points.

Public Comments

1. They are a hell of a lot cheaper than building an overpass at every single intersection.
2. and if you wanted to turn left?
3. Building underpass cost lots more then install traiffics. Underpass would only build on busy roads.
4. Well think about all of these cities that have 1000s of lights. And if they had to build bridges how many houses and businesses would be lost due to the land that it takes. Also crime rates would go up as there is more places for people to hide out
5. would you think the same if they wanted to tear down your house or place of business so they could put in the bridge.
6. I liked that Germany put their traffic circles back in place. Single-lane traffic circles with a hill in the middle area. And, it keeps the traffic moving. Overpasses cost $20k per mile per year in maintenance.
7. As previously stated...the municipal taxpayers demand the most efficiency for the least amount of cost....traffic lights are a tiny, tiny fraction of the cost of over/under passes.
8. are you nuts to do that you would have to pull down half or even higher of the houses or offices in any town or city besides most driver are rude impatient ass holes that what to get where they are going as quick as possible then you got the ones that think anything they do is right ... get the drift
9. I think you'd be creating more problems with you solution. Seems to me traffic lights work just fine except for the occasional moron who blasts through them.
10. Bridges and tunnels are prohibitively expensive, so forget that idea. Traffic signals have been used for many years and seem to be the most cost-effective solution.