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Pedestrian half-signals

   
Also known as intersection pedestrian signals.  Pedestrian half-signals operate in similar fashion as mid-block pedestrian signals, but they are installed at intersections.  Standard red/yellow/green signals are installed for the major street and standard Walk/Don't Walk signals are installed for the major street crosswalk, but the minor street is stop-controlled.  The major street rests in green until interrupted by a pedestrian actuation.
objective To provide a controlled pedestrian crossing at intersections where a traffic signal is not warranted.
applications At locations where there is heavy pedestrian demand to cross the major street, but the side street traffic is light.
target population All Pedestrians, Motorists
crash type Pedestrian R/W Violation-Intersection, Pedestrian Violation-Intersection, Traffic Signals and Signs
advantages
  • Provides a controlled crossing at an intersection without requiring full traffic signalization
disadvantages
  • Side street traffic that crosses the major street along with pedestrians may not know when the signal is about to change.
  • Drivers on side streets may be confused on right-of-way assignment.
  • Where major street traffic is heavy, drivers from side streets may be tempted to get out of their vehicles and put in a pedestrian call.
  • There may not be traffic surges on the minor street to give an audible cue about crossing intervals, so accessible pedestrian signals with locator tone may have to 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 Need to engage in a public education campaign and potentially, additional signing, to direct side-street traffic. The lack of control on the side street does not attract more traffic to the street as conventional intersection signals would.
cost High, from $50,000 to $75,000, depending on the width of the street and the length of the mast-arm poles.
responsibility Public Works Department
further reading National Center for Bicycling & Walking. Pedestrian Half-Signals.  Pedestrian Facilities Reference Guide.
examples City of Portland, OR, Public Works; City of Seattle, WA, City of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Transportation Department; Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada, Traffic and Transportation Services.
related tools Hawk Crossing, Educational Signals for Pedestrian Signal Indication, Accessible Pedestrian Signals, Automated Pedestrian Detection, Scanning Eyes

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