Des Moines drivers, are you seeing red? It could be your fault

Des Moines is retiming all 425 traffic signals in the city.

Why it matters: It'll decrease travel times, improve traffic congestion and help reduce vehicle emissions.

• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic timing is also being considered to improve safety and walkability.

Driving the news: The DSM City Council approved the fourth phase of the five-phase traffic signal timing project this month.

Catch up quick: The city is currently in the third phase, which started in 2019.

• Total cost: $1.3 million, paid largely by state and federal grants.
• Completion date: The end of 2023.

Flashback: Des Moines' signal timings were last systematically updated about 20 years ago.

• Substantial development and traffic patterns have changed in that time.

🏎 Be smart: With the new timing switches, you can often drive key corridors like Grand or Locust without having to stop at a red light. Just make sure not to speed.