With so many traffic lights efficiently operating around us, it’s natural to wonder how much does a traffic light cost. Traffic lights are complicated to install and tough to maintain. That’s why they are a lot more expensive than they seem.
Also, the expense does not end with installation and maintenance. You will be surprised to know about the additional costs that come with the public traffic light system.
How Much Does A Traffic Light Cost?
Traffic light costs can vary, depending on the situation. The cost of installing a private traffic light will be nowhere near the cost of the public traffic system. So, let’s see the difference between these two.
Individual Usage
If you want to get a traffic system privately, the cost will start somewhere around $90 and can rise up to $300. One thing you need to understand about these traffic light systems is that they’re not anything like the ones you see on the roads. That’s why you can get them within this price range.
The amount isn’t fixed because it depends on where you are buying the traffic light from. Different sellers will demand a different price range, so the cost will vary.
As I have mentioned before, the lights you can get in this price range are not similar to the ones you see on the roads. Some of them may look like them, but the functionality is entirely different. These won’t be able to run on a timer either.
Public Traffic Lights
If you want to calculate the cost of traffic light systems set up by the government, the equation will get a bit complicated. Let me demonstrate it part by part.
First of all, we need to answer the question of how much does a traffic light costs to install. For the installation of a traffic light system, the cost can vary from $80,000 up to $500,000. The vast difference is based on how complex the system is and where the traffic light is going to be.
Another cost that needs to be added to this equation is the cost of maintaining these lights. The government pays around $5,000 to $10,000 per year for maintaining traffic light systems.
So, how much does a traffic light cost to replace? Calculating traffic light replacement cost means considering an entire construction. The average cost of an entire construction of traffic lights can be around $500,000.
Additional Expenses
Is there any additional traffic signal cost? One cost to consider is the electricity bill. The bill per traffic light can be around $1500 per year. Other than the maintenance cost that I have already mentioned, there can also be another cost for upgrading the system.
The maintenance cost can be roughly around $8000. This cost allows the signal system to operate smoothly and effectively.
To keep the traffic lights running and functional, there can be an annual cost of $3000 to $10,000 per year. This cost occurs when the government upgrades the traffic lights.
Related: Street Light Cost
Factors Influencing The Traffic Light Cost
As you can see, the cost is in a range. That means the price can be anywhere between that range. So, why this versatility? Let’s take a look at some factors that can affect the cost of traffic lights.
Type Of Traffic Light
Initially, we have to separate personal usage and public traffic lights because these two aren’t comparable. So, if you’re installing a traffic light for your own use, the cost will be a lot less.
On the contrary, public traffic light systems are a lot more expensive and come with a high maintenance cost too. Considering the installation, maintenance, and up-gradation of the public traffic system, it can be summed up to be a large amount.
The hardware and the technology required for installing the system are what cause a traffic light to be so expensive.
Type Of Modification
The cost for installing new traffic lights and replacing them will not cost the same. Besides, sometimes the system doesn’t require reconstructing the whole thing. So, the type of installation can also have an impact on determining the cost of a traffic light.
Place Of Installation
The price can also vary depending on the place. One area can require a higher price to install a traffic system compared to another area. This usually happens depending on the roads and the complexity. For instance, a basic system will not be as expensive as a four-way crossway.
Complexity Of The Installation
A complex traffic system installation will cost a lot compared to a simple traffic system. So, one factor affecting the cost of a traffic light is the complexity of the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How expensive is a traffic light?
Traffic lights for personal use are not expensive like the public ones. You can get a traffic light system for between $90 and $300 for your own use. However, the public traffic lights are a lot more expensive.
Q. Why are traffic signals so expensive?
The hardware required for traffic signals is very expensive. Besides, modern traffic systems are monitored and operated by computers, which come pretty expensive too. That’s why installing this complex system is expensive.
Q. Do all traffic lights have sensors?
Not all traffic lights have sensors. Some lights have timers instead of a sensor that allow them to operate smoothly.
Q. How often are stop lights replaced?
Even though stop lights are scheduled to be replaced each six to seven years, sometimes this period can get extended to ten years.
Q. Are roundabouts cheaper than traffic lights?
Roundabouts are cheaper to install and maintain compared to traffic lights. Even though suitability depends on the situation, roundabouts certainly cost less.
Final Verdict
As you can see, how much does a traffic light costs can be different depending on certain factors. You can either request a traffic system in your area through the authority or install one if it’s for personal use.
If you are considering a personal traffic light to install near your house, the cost won’t be much. You can bear the cost alone. However, the price of a traffic light may vary, depending on where you are buying it from.
Hello, I’m Michael Rosales an expert in cars. As a little boy, I have always loved cars. Over the years I became lucky to have the opportunity to work as a car dealer. It was at this stage I became vast in the knowledge of cars, things you need to know when buying cars and how to minimize cost while still getting your dream car.