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In-roadway warning lights at crosswalks



   
Also known as in-pavement flashers, crosswalk warning systems, illuminated crosswalks, flashing crosswalks, or Santa Rosa lights.  The devices are mounted in the street pavement adjacent to the outside of the crosswalk markings, with the flashers positioned so as to be seen by oncoming traffic.  They are normally dark, but they are actuated to provide a flashing yellow light while the pedestrian crossing is in use. Pedestrians are detected either through pedestrian push buttons or automatically, through microwave, motion sensors, video detection, or light trip beam.
objective To warn motorists of the presence of pedestrians in marked crosswalks at unsignalized locations through the use of flashers embedded in the pavement.
applications The devices appear to be most effective for use on multi-lane roadways or uncontrolled crossing locations where pedestrian usage is moderate and reasonably expected.  The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices contains specific guidelines on installation of these devices.
target population All Pedestrians, Motorists
crash type Pedestrian R/W Violation-Intersection, Pedestrian R/W Violation-Non-Intersection, Excessive Speed
advantages
  • Provides a dynamic visual cue to drivers of the presence of pedestrians, especially during adverse weather conditions such as darkness, fog, and rain.
disadvantages
  • Significant costs for installation and maintenance
  • The presence of a lighting device at the outer edge of the travel lane may be a hazard to some bicyclists
  • Passive detection can be difficult to operate properly and may produce false calls.  Frequent false calls may encourage motorist non-compliance
pointers Maintenance costs are high; lights are difficult to see during the day, particularly on streets with an east-west alignment; drivers are unclear about what is expected of them while lights are flashing.  Many cities that originally installed them are removing them due to maintenance costs.
cost High, $20,000-50,000 per location, depending on the width of the road and whether the treatment includes automated detection devices.
responsibility Public Works Department
further reading (1) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Millennium Edition, Ch. 4L. In-Roadway Lights.

(2) Institute of Traffic Engineers Traffic Engineering Committee.  In-Roadway Flashing Lights at Crosswalks. ITE TENC-98-3, 2001. 

(3) Whitlock & Weinberger. An Evaluation of a Crosswalk Warning System Utilizing In-Pavement Flashing Lights. Office of Traffic Safety and Federal Highway Administration, April 1998.

(4) Miller, R. and Dore, G. In-Pavement Flashing Crosswalks – State of the Art. Katz, Okitsu & Associates. 

(5) Katz, Okitsu & Associates. Illuminated Crosswalks: An Evaluation Study and Policy Recommendations in the City of Fountain Valley. City of Fountain Valley CA, October 2000. 

(6) Godfrey, D. Kirkland's Experience with Flashing Lights at Crosswalks (unpublished report). Kirkland, WA: City of Kirkland, February 1999.
examples City of Oakland, Transportation Services Division; City of Orinda, Community Development Department; City of Lafayette, Engineering Department; City of Livermore, Engineering Division; City of Burlingame, Engineering Division; City of Alameda, Public Works Department; City of Petaluma, Community Development Department; City of Santa Rosa, Public Works Department; Salt Lake City, UT,  Transportation Division; California Office of Traffic Safety; City of Kirkland, WA, Traffic Engineering Division and Neighborhood Traffic Control Program
related tools High-Visibility Crosswalks, Raised Crosswalks, Orange Flags, High-Visibility Signs, Hawk Crossings, Mid-block Signalized Crossings

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