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Crosswalk Locations Stephens Avenue and W. Central Avenue Intersection ---PAGE BREAK--- Regulations MUTCD Section 3B.18 Crosswalk Markings Crosswalk markings provide guidance for pedestrians who are crossing roadways by defining and delineating paths on approaches to and within signalized intersections, and on approaches to other intersections where traffic stops. In conjunction with signs and other measures, crosswalk markings help to alert road users of a designated pedestrian crossing point across roadways at locations that are not controlled by traffic control signals. At locations controlled by STOP or YIELD signs, crosswalk lines should be installed where engineering judgment indicates they are needed to direct pedestrians to the proper crossing path(s). Crosswalk lines should not be used indiscriminately. An engineering study should be performed before a marked crosswalk is installed at a location away from a traffic control signal or an approach controlled by a STOP or YIELD sign. ---PAGE BREAK--- Study of Marked vs. Unmarked Crosswalks 1,000 marked and 1,000 unmarked crosswalks in 30 U.S. cities On 2-lane roads – marked crosswalk had no affect on the rate of ped. crashes 229 ped. crashes resulted over a 5 year period (1 ped. crash per crosswalk site every 43.7 years) Factors having no significant effect on ped. crash rate Area type (residential, CBD, etc.) Location (intersection vs. midblock) Speed Traffic operation (1-way or 2-way) Condition of crosswalk marking Crosswalk marking pattern On 2-lane roads, there were no significant differences for ped. crashes for marked vs. unmarked crosswalk sites Installing a marked crosswalk without other or more substantial crossing facilities does not result in a majority of motorists stopping for peds. Peds. over 65 years old had a higher incidence of crashes compared to their relative crossing volumes Marked crosswalks are appropriate at some locations to help channel peds. to preferred crossing locations ---PAGE BREAK--- Engineering Evaluation The question that we asked ourselves during the weekly Traffic Services Staff Meeting was, "What are the most effective measures that can be used to help peds. safely cross the street, and not necessarily should a crosswalk be marked". Site visit Geometrics Motorist site distance Traffic volumes Daily ped. estimates Posted speed limit Crash history Number of travel lanes Consulted the Master Sidewalk Plan ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Recommendations Remove one parking spot northbound on Stephens, south of Central to better enhance the visual awareness (site distance) of peds. wishing to cross (yellow curb) Removed vegetation (site obstruction) on the northeast corner of the intersection Intend to conduct a speed study in order to post the appropriate speed limit (currently no signs on this section of Stephens) Briteside panels will be installed at both stop approaches on Central to Stephens to enhance motorist awareness Talk to police about enforcement of motorists not stopping for peds.