Hillsborough County Complete Streets Guide

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Intersections and Mid-Block Crossings

Mid-block Crossings Mid-block crosswalks provide a safe opportunity for people walking or riding to cross at locations that are not facilitated by nearby intersections. Figure 5-3 illustrates a mid-block crossing utilizing an advanced yield line to give pedestrians a wider view of oncoming traffic providing the pedestrian the opportunity to step back to safety. At mid-block locations, crosswalks only exist where marked. Mid-block crosswalks can be controlled (with traffic control devices- signals or Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons) or uncontrolled (with high visibility crossing elements and warning devices such as RRFB’s). Crosswalks should be considered at mid‐block locations where there is strong evidence that pedestrians want to cross there, due to origins and destinations across from each other and an overly long walking distance to the nearest controlled crossing. Marked crosswalks alert drivers to expect crossing pedestrians and direct pedestrians to

Figure 5-3 Multiple Threat Crash Solution – Advance Yield Line, FHWA

desirable crossing locations. Although many motorists are unaware of their precise legal obligations at crosswalks, the Florida Uniform Traffic Control Law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in any crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked. Representative locations that warrant a mid-block crosswalk may include transit stops (bus or light rail), parks, plazas, schools, building entrances, mid-block passageways, trails, and bicycle facilities. Other locations for consideration of mid-block crossings may include the opportunity to break up long blocks, where shared use paths intersect the street, or where parking lots are located on the other side of the destination. The following general guidance is adapted from various sources.  Traffic Volume – A minimum threshold for average daily traffic typically falls in the range of 1,500 to 3,000. Above the following average daily traffic and speed thresholds, mid-block crossings should be augmented with enhanced safety devices according to these thresholds.  ADT > 12,000 without a median

 ADT > 15,000 with a median  Speeds greater than 40 MPH

 Stopping Sight Distance - Stopping sight distance should be calculated and compared to minimum sight distance criteria found in the FDOT Plans Preparation

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