The Honolulu lane zipper is famous sliding jersey barriers across the highway in Honolulu, opening or closing lanes, depending on the time of day and traffic. [In Seattle, the express lanes on I-5 are bidirectional, depending on traffic, which accomplishes basically the same thing.] I’ve actually driven by the lane zipper while it was working, and it’s a pretty sight to see, really.
In the course of my typical commute, I come across four stop signs, six traffic lights, and a roundabout, all of which have proven to be difficult for some drivers around here, but that’s another story for another day. I went to work early this morning, about an hour earlier than usual, and noticed something unusual – every traffic light was flashing red, except for two, which were flashing red on the side streets, and yellow for the main thoroughfares. It seems that Springfield has seen the light (ha!) and given drivers a little more control over their travels during very light or nonexistent traffic conditions. Thanks to the 4-way intersections, I cut several minutes out of my drive. Any time saved not commuting is a good thing, in my mind.
What about your city or town? Any innovative or time-saving traffic signals, lanes, etc?