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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering


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Mid-block signalized crossings

   
Traffic signals are used to control traffic at mid-block crosswalks. During the WALK interval, a steady red signal indication is displayed to drivers approaching the crosswalk. During the flashing DON'T WALK interval, drivers see a flashing red indication and, after stopping, they may proceed through the crosswalk area in front of them, if it is not occupied by pedestrians. After the pedestrian clearance interval ends, the signal turns green to allow drivers to proceed. The flashing red minimizes the interruption to traffic progression. Vehicles must remain stopped during the 4- to 7-second WALK interval but are not required to wait the full amount of time that would be necessary if a steady red indication is displayed during the completion of the DON'T WALK clearance interval.
objective To provide a controlled crossing for pedestrians at mid-block, marked crosswalks.
applications At locations with high mid-block crossing demand and where there are insufficient gaps in the traffic stream of adequate length for pedestrians to cross.  Specific guidelines and warrants are provided in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Caltrans Traffic Manual.
target population All Pedestrians, Motorists
crash type Pedestrian R/W Violation-Non-Intersection, Pedestrian Violation-Non-Intersection
advantages
  • Provides a controlled crossing while minimizing disruption to traffic flow
  • Removes conflict with turning vehicles by providing a crossing location that is not associated with an intersection
disadvantages
  • Cost of installation is significant
  • Mid-block signals that do not provide a hot (nearly immediate) response may frustrate pedestrians
  • There may not be traffic surges to give an audible cue about crossing intervals, so accessible pedestrian signals with a locator tone must be provided to inform visually impaired pedestrians that actuation of a signal is required to cross the major street and to indicate onset of the WALK interval; this increases the cost.
pointers Mid-block signals that do not provide a hot (almost immediate) response can frustrate pedestrians and lead them to cross away from the signal or begin crossing as soon as there is a gap in traffic, potentially making motorists stop for no reason and lead to future non-compliance; thus, a hot response should be provided whenever feasible and practical.
cost High, $50,000-$75,000, depending on the width of the street and the length of the mast-arm poles.
responsibility Public Works Department
further reading (1) Chu, X. and Baltes, M. Pedestrian Mid-Block Crossing Difficulty. National Center for Transit Research, NCTR-392-09, Florida, 2001. 

(2) FHWA Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation. Lesson 16-Mid-Block Crossings.
examples Various
related tools Marked Crosswalks, European Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Innovations, In-Roadway Warning Lights at Crosswalks; Automated Pedestrian Detection; Accessible Pedestrian Signals

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