A single traffic light in California took $2,400,000 and 10 months to turn on
Published on Oct 27, 2025 at 5:13 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Oct 27, 2025 at 10:06 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
There is a traffic light in Fresno County in California, that took $2.4 million and 10 months to turn on, in one of the most bizarre stories of 2025.
The traffic light has been subject to a multitude of red tape over the last year.
The light was installed at the intersection of Fowler and Olive in Fresno County, yet we can trace its origins back several years.
Ten months after being built, the light was finally activated, but only after a lot of money was spent as well.
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The origins of the traffic light in California
Back in 2018, the county of Fresno wanted to install a traffic light at the Fowler and Olive intersection.
Approval was needed from the city of Fresno, as it sat on the edge of the city limits.
The county actually had to build the light to meet city regulations.
What followed was a huge amount of legal red tape, even with the light installed.
There was a whole host of problems when it came to turning the light on.
Much of that was down to infrastructure, with it not being in place until very recently.
But you probably wouldn’t expect a light to take that long to be turned on.
The light is finally in use
By the time the light was activated, it had cost Fresno County $2.4 million in total.
That was a ludicrous sum of money, but it’s how much work physically and legally was required to make it work.
Thankfully, it looks like it was worth it for locals and business owners.
Hank Bocchini Jr., whose family owns Hank’s Swank Golf Course, has said road traffic flows much smoothly.
Getting out of his driveway before the light was installed had become a gamble each time.
He said: “There were times we couldn’t even leave. Now, traffic just flows smoother.”
Getting out of his driveway before the light was installed had become a gamble each time.
Between 2021 and 2023, there were 55 deaths and 153 serious injuries due to intersection violations in Fresno County.
This new light looks like it will make the roads much safer and allow for smoother journeys for everyone.
Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
