Harris County officials are grappling with an aging infrastructure problem - nearly half of its traffic lights are over 50 years old, and some are as old as 30 years. The county's engineering director, Dr. Milton Rahman, explained to commissioners that the issues stem from a change in how traffic signal funds are distributed.
Under the new state law, millions of dollars allocated for maintaining traffic lights around the county is now being sent directly to individual precincts instead of the county engineering department. This shift has slowed down repairs and caused delays, according to Rahman.
Currently, the engineering department must bill each precinct separately, which can lead to a backlog of unpaid bills and further prolongs the repair process. To address this issue, the county's budget director is working on a new policy that would allow the engineering department to prioritize repairs and send invoices to precincts later.
However, there's still uncertainty about funding for replacing aging lights with new ones. According to Rahman, the cost of installing a new signal can range from $750,000 upwards. The question remains whether the county will be able to fund these replacements in time, especially for signals in underdeveloped areas.
Commissioners are set to discuss this issue again on January 29 when the budget director plans to present a proposal to streamline the repair process and ensure that aging lights are replaced as soon as possible.
Under the new state law, millions of dollars allocated for maintaining traffic lights around the county is now being sent directly to individual precincts instead of the county engineering department. This shift has slowed down repairs and caused delays, according to Rahman.
Currently, the engineering department must bill each precinct separately, which can lead to a backlog of unpaid bills and further prolongs the repair process. To address this issue, the county's budget director is working on a new policy that would allow the engineering department to prioritize repairs and send invoices to precincts later.
However, there's still uncertainty about funding for replacing aging lights with new ones. According to Rahman, the cost of installing a new signal can range from $750,000 upwards. The question remains whether the county will be able to fund these replacements in time, especially for signals in underdeveloped areas.
Commissioners are set to discuss this issue again on January 29 when the budget director plans to present a proposal to streamline the repair process and ensure that aging lights are replaced as soon as possible.
those old traffic lights are like, from the stone age! 
I mean, I get it, infrastructure is expensive, but 30 years old? That's just crazy talk! 
And now they're having to deal with this new system where it's all precinct by precinct? It's like trying to fix a leaky faucet one drip at a time 
. But seriously, what's the hold up on replacing those lights? I mean, $750,000 is a lot of cash 
, but think about all the accidents and congestion that's gonna happen if they don't get it done soon 
. Fingers crossed they can figure out a solution by Jan 29 
. Maybe they can even get some retro-style LED lights for those old timers? 
You'd think it's just going to be a matter of funding new traffic lights but there's so much bureaucratic red tape in between. I mean, come on, 50+ year old traffic lights still running? That's like trying to use a fossil fuel engine in an electric car 
. The county needs to step up its game and find a way to prioritize repairs without making things worse. This whole situation just highlights how outdated the system is... 
... if they had a clearer plan in place from the start, maybe some of these problems could've been avoided. It's a great reminder that even with the best intentions, things can still go awry if we're not prepared.
. Fingers crossed that the commissioners come up with something by January 29 
.
. Like, I get it, funding issues and all, but 50+ year old lights? That's just crazy. And now they're trying to make things worse by sending the money directly to precincts instead of having one central fund for maintenance? It's like they're playing a game of "let's wait and see" 
. I mean, we need new signals ASAP, especially in underdeveloped areas where traffic congestion is already a nightmare.
and still paying for gas 
It's like they want us to be stuck in traffic forever so we can all enjoy the thrill of waiting for our lights to fix themselves. And don't even get me started on the funding... $750k a pop just to replace one signal? Are you kidding me? I know some areas are underdeveloped, but come on, let's not forget about the rest of us who actually have jobs and can afford our own traffic light upgrades 
.
... it's like they're collecting dust on the side of the road, waiting for someone to come and fix them 
. And it's not just the cost, it's the principle of it all - we need these lights working so people can get around safely, but instead it feels like a never-ending cycle of delays and excuses 
... I'm sure there are some smart folks in that county who want to fix this problem, but it's like they're stuck in traffic themselves 
... can't they just make a decision already?!
️ it's gonna cost like $750k 2 install new ones, so i hope dey can figger out da budget 
And what about those signals in underdeveloped areas? They need 'em most! 
. hopefully, those commissioners come up with a solid plan on Jan 29 and we can start seeing some new lights pop up around town ASAP 
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