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Intersections and Mid-Block Crossings
the best solution for pedestrians’ safety and comfort. Where channelization islands are deemed necessary additional safety countermeasures such as Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon’s (RRFB’s) and high visibility crossing markings may need to be considered. At intersections of multi‐lane roadways where trucks make frequent right turns, a raised channelization island between the through lanes and the right‐turn lane is a good alternative to an overly large corner radius and enhances pedestrian safety and access. If designed correctly, a raised island can achieve the following objectives: Allow pedestrians to cross fewer lanes at a time. Allow motorists and pedestrians to judge the right-turn/pedestrian conflict separately. Reduce pedestrian crossing distance, which can improve signal timing for all users. Balance vehicle capacity and truck turning needs with pedestrian safety. Provide an opportunity for landscape and hardscape enhancement. The following design practices for right‐turn lane channelization islands should be used to provide safety and convenience for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists: The provision of a channelized right‐turn lane is appropriate only on signalized approaches where right‐turning volumes are high. Provide accessible islands for refuge. Provide a yield sign for the channelized right‐turn lane. Tighter angles are preferred. Provide at least a 60‐degree angle between vehicle flows, which reduces turning speeds and improves the yielding driver’s visibility of pedestrians and vehicles. Place the crosswalk across the right‐turn lane about one car length back from where drivers yield to traffic on the other street, allowing the yielding driver to respond to a potential pedestrian conflict first, independently of the vehicle conflict, and then move forward, with no more pedestrian conflict. Removing unnecessary existing channelized right‐turn lanes further assists pedestrians. Traffic Signal Control Traffic signals allocate the time in which people can be in the intersection and strive to balance the needs of all users moving across the transportation network. Signals must also align with the complete street’s principle of modal respect, which supports people walking and biking in addition to motor vehicle traffic. Signals that are timed for high-speed traffic on major roads can contribute to unsafe driving and can cause delays. This creates significant barriers to people attempting to cross from secondary streets. These delays can decrease compliance with red lights, creating unsafe behavior from users who may experience waits of multiple minutes for their turn to use an intersection.
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