I've heard the same thing, but I've very rarely, with the exception of Tryon, seen significant gridlock in Uptown. Even with football and basketball games, it usually only takes a few minutes to get out of Uptown - bigger issues on Morehead and I-77 if you make that mistake after a game.
I don't have a problem with the gridlock on Tryon, as it slow traffic and is more pedestrian friendly. Also, on Tryon the lights seem to be intentionally unsynchronized - not sure if it's intentional, but it seems to be impossible to make more than two consecutive intersections without getting caught at a light in normal traffic. Basically, if you're in a hurry stay off Tryon - no big deal.
Back to the point, it seems like those F'n red bags are up all the time for no good reason. Does anybody know the real reason? I mean really know actual reason, because I don't and have not heard anything that makes much sense. Not that the real reason will make any sense what-so-ever, of course.
I can't believe it has anything to do with city workers not wanting to work. It costs money to buy those lil' red beotchs and the associated locks, not to mention paying someone to install/remove them each time. Sorry about the off topic rant...