Traffic signal outages linger after Memorial Day weekend storms, frustrating Houston drivers

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Drivers across Houston are reporting traffic lights staying out longer than usual following severe weather over Memorial Day weekend, leading to congestion, confusion, and safety concerns at busy intersections.

The City of Houston says most traffic signal repairs are completed within about six hours, but storm-related outages and a high volume of service requests can slow repairs.

At intersections where signals are dark or flashing, drivers are expected to treat the crossing as a four-way stop. Still, many commuters say that it can create backups and dangerous situations in high-traffic areas.

"It's a lot of traffic here, so you can catch a lot of accidents," driver Kevin Mitchell said after a traffic light near Weslayan Street and the Southwest Freeway was repaired Tuesday night.

Another driver, Michelle Bunch, said she repeatedly contacted 311 before that intersection was fixed.

"You're worried someone's going to get hit," Bunch said. "You're going to hit them, or they're going to hit you."

Across town in Midtown, some intersections remained without working signals days after the storms.

Jessica Trent, who works near the intersection of Elgin Street and Brazos Street, said the traffic lights there have been out since Sunday night.

"We need a light because this is an exit right here coming from 59," Trent said. "So many people are used to flying through this light because it's normally green."

The City's Public Works Department said several factors affect repair times, including the type of damage, availability of replacement parts, weather conditions, coordination with utility companies, and the number of outage requests received at once.

Officials said storms can significantly increase the number of outages citywide, creating delays as crews work through repair requests.

Temporary A-frame stop signs have been installed at some intersections, but Trent said drivers often ignore them.

"They're already on the ground," Trent said. "People flying by them, the wind is blowing them over. People flying past them. Hitting them. They're no help."

City officials encourage residents to report malfunctioning traffic signals by calling 311.