This project builds a traffic light circuit that sequences red, amber, and green LEDs to mimic a single UK traffic light. A 555 timer chip and 4017 counter chip are used to generate the timing signals. The 1M preset can adjust the full cycle time from 7 seconds to 2.5 minutes. The circuit diagram, parts list, stripboard layout, and LED connections are provided to construct the traffic light circuit.

1. Traffic Light Project
This project operates red, amber and green LEDs in the
correct sequence for a single UK traffic light. The time
taken for the complete red - red & amber - green - amber
sequence can be varied from about 7s to about 2½
minutes by adjusting the 1M preset. Some amber LEDs
emit light that is almost red so you may prefer to use a
yellow LED. The 555 astable circuit provides clock
pulses for the 4017 counter which has ten outputs (Q0 to
Q9). Each output becomes high in turn as the clock
pulses are received. Appropriate outputs are combined
with diodes to supply the amber and green LEDs. The
red LED is connected to the ÷10 output which is high for
the first 5 counts (Q0-Q4 high), this saves using 5 diodes
for red and simplifies the circuit.
LEDs
red
4017 counter
outputs high
= LED on
amber green
Q0 and ÷10
Q1 and ÷10
Q2 and ÷10
Q3 and ÷10
Q4 and ÷10
Q5
Q6
Q7
Q8
Q9
Parts Required
•
•
•
•
•
•
resistors: 470 × 3, 22k, 100k
capacitors: 0.1µF, 1µF 16V radial, 10µF 16V radial
diodes: 1N4148 × 6
LEDs: red, amber (or yellow), green
1M preset, horizontal
stripboard: 20 rows × 21 holes
•
•
•
•
•
555 timer IC, such as NE555
4017 counter IC
DIL sockets: 8-pin, 16-pin
on/off switch
battery clip for 9V PP3
Stripboard Layout and LED connections
555
100k
0.1µF
red
1M preset controls
timing (note track
cut underneath)
10µF
red
amber
LED wiring red
red
470
470
red
black
22k
red
1µF
4017
amber
470
green
red
green
black
= cut track
0V
Circuit
diagram
1µF
+
100k
7
8
4
6
2
1M
555
timer
16
3
14
4017 1-of-10 counter
reset
15
1
Q5
8 13 1
Q6
5
Q7
6
Q8
9
Q4
10
Q9
11
÷10
12
0.1µF
22k
+
470
470
470
10µF
green
THE
ELECTRONICS
CLUB
© John Hewes 2007, The Electronics Club,
www.kpsec.freeuk.com
A kit for this project is available from
RSH Electronics
amber
red
9V