Traffic Light Issue

The Regional Municipality of Durham's Works Department installs and maintains traffic signals. Traffic signals can malfunction for many reasons. If you see a damaged or malfunctioning traffic signal, you can contact your local Region of Durham Works Department depot or email our Traffic Operations Centre.

Flash mode

We program all traffic signals to prevent conflicts. They can automatically go into all-red mode.

The traffic signal could also go into flash mode. This happens if there is a power interruption or change. This is common during lightning storms.

As a driver, approach a traffic signal in flash mode with extreme caution. Proceed only after you get the right-of-way.

Dark signal

When there is no electricity, such as during a blackout, traffic control signals will go dark. This is like street lights or the lights in your home. 

As a driver, treat a dark signal with extreme caution. Cross the intersection as if it were an all-way stop.