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Safer Roadways: A Complete Streets Guide
to cross through it. This creates a longer period of exposure to dangerous conflicts and necessitates longer signal phases to provide ample time for someone who is crossing. By reducing the additional space traditionally provided for drivers at intersections, vulnerable road users can feel less exposed and safer while also helping to speed up signal cycles. GENERAL INTERSECTION DESIGN GUIDANCE The following guidance applies to all intersections and users:
Good intersection designs are compact. Minimize conflicts between modes. Unusual conflicts should be avoided.
Accommodate all modes with appropriate multimodal levels of service. Simple right‐angle intersections are best for all users since many intersection problems are exacerbated at skewed and multi‐legged intersections. Free‐flowing movements (channelized right-turn lanes) should be avoided and eliminated in areas of higher levels of pedestrian or bicycle users. Avoid elimination of travel modes from the typical section due to intersection design constraints. Access management practices should be used to remove additional vehicular conflict points near the intersection. Signal timing should consider the safety and convenience of all users and should not hinder bicycle or foot traffic with overly long waits or insufficient crossing times. Ensure intersections are fully accessible, ADA compliant, and includes leading pedestrian intervals and audible pedestrian signals in urban and suburban contexts. Prioritize crossing for people walking or riding a bike at side streets and driveway crossings. Geometric Features The following elements are a highlight of proven safety countermeasures to be considered at intersection locations in urban and suburban contexts, as well as in Rural Activity Centers. Most of the description and guidance for these elements are per the FHWA Traffic Calming ePrimer. CURB RADII The curb or corner radii at intersections control the speed at which vehicles can turn and determine the distance which people must walk to cross an intersection. Corner radii should be designed as small as possible to enhance the safety and suitability of an intersection for all users. The actual curb radius is easily seen and understood, but generally is not the governing radius for vehicles. Effective curb radius is the measure of a vehicle’s path while turning
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