Crossing Improvements
Pedestrians at Signalized Intersections TYPICAL APPLICATION Pedestrian Signal Heads Pedestrian signal heads indicate to pedestrians when to cross at a signalized crosswalk.
Intersections are an important part of the pedestrian network. Intersections have high potential conflict between pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. However, intersections can be designed to help reduce these conflicts, making them safer for all users. Based on input from the public and the existing conditions analyses, several proposed intersection improvement projects have been identified. These locations are shown on the map on page 80. The following guidelines should be considered when designing intersection improvements for pedestrians:
Pedestrian signal indications are recommended at all traffic signals except where pedestrian crossing is prohibited by signage. Countdown pedestrian signals should be retrofitted at existing signals with older style pedestrian signals and on any new installation. Countdown signals have a crash reduction factor of between 25 and 52% in varied studies 1 . Signal Timing and the Pedestrian Phase Adequate pedestrian crossing time is a critical element of the walking environment at signalized intersections. The length of a signal phase with parallel pedestrian movements should provide sufficient time for a pedestrian to safely cross the adjacent street. The MUTCD recommends a walking speed of 3.5 ft per second. At crossings where older pedestrians or pedestrians with disabilities are expected, crossing speeds as low as 3 ft per second should be assumed. Special pedestrian phases can be used to provide greater visibility or more crossing time for pedestrians at certain intersections (see previous page for further detail) . Large pedestrian crossing distances can be broken up with median refuge islands. A pedestrian pushbutton can be provided on the median to create a two-stage pedestrian crossing if the pedestrian phase is actuated. This ensures that pedestrians are not stranded on the median, and is especially applicable on large, multi-lane roadways with high vehicle volumes, where providing sufficient pedestrian crossing time for a single stage crossing may be an issue.
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The diagram below highlights best practices for pedestrian facility design at intersections. PEDESTRIAN INTERSECTION GUIDANCE
The crosswalk should be located to align as closely as possible with the through pedestrian zone of the sidewalk corridor.
High visibility markings provide additional visibility and are recommended for all crosswalk markings.
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• Consider the use of a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) to provide additional traffic- protected crossing time to pedestrians. • Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) provide crossing assistance to pedestrians with vision impairment at signalized intersections. FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS Pushbuttons should be located so that someone in a wheelchair can reach the button from a level area of the sidewalk without deviating significantly from the natural line of travel into the crosswalk. Pushbuttons should be marked (for example, with arrows) so that it is clear which signal is affected. In areas with very heavy pedestrian traffic, consider an all-pedestrian signal phase to give pedestrians free passage in the intersection when all motor vehicle traffic movements are stopped. This may provide operational benefits as turning movements are then unimpeded.
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ADA compliant curb ramps allow all users to transition from the street to a sidewalk. Perpendicular curb ramps are preferred to diagonal curb ramps.
The use of a Leading Pedes- trian Interval (LPI) to provide additional traffic-protected crossing time to pedestrians should be considered.
Median refuge islands increase visibility and allow pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time.
1 http://www.cmfclearinghouse.org/index.cfm
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FUQUAY-VARINA PEDESTRIAN PLAN
CHAPTER 3: INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
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