Axios Des Moines: Des Moines is re-timing all 425 traffic signals in the city to decrease travel times, improve traffic congestion and help reduce vehicle emissions. The Des Moines City Council approved the fourth phase of the five-phase traffic signal timing project this month. The signal timings were last systematically updated about 20 years ago; substantial development and traffic patterns have changed in that time. With the new timing switches, you can often drive key corridors like Grand Avenue or Locust Street without having to stop at a red light if you don’t speed.