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FHWA Home / Safety / Pedestrian & Bicycle / Las Vegas Pedestrian Safety Project: Phase 2 Final Technical Report

Las Vegas Pedestrian Safety Project: Phase 2 Final Technical Report

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CHAPTER 2 COUNTERMEASURE DESCRIPTIONS

A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based methodology was used to identify high pedestrian risk zones and areas in the study area. Initially 16 high risk zones comprising of 47 pedestrian high crash sites were identified in the Phase 1. However, due to limited financial resources to improve pedestrian safety at all the identified locations, eighteen (18) pedestrian high crash sites were identified in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Figure 2 shows the map of Las Vegas metropolitan area with the selected 18 locations. Of these 18 locations, countermeasures were deployed at 14 locations with the remaining 4 sites as control sites, where none of the countermeasures were deployed. Seventeen countermeasures were selected to evaluate in this program. These countermeasures are summarized in Table 2 and in Appendix A, DWG No 123.01-123.13.

Table 2: Summary of Countermeasures
Proposed and Deployed
Proposed and Deployed Countermeasures
Turning Vehicles Yield to Pedestrian Sign
Advance Yield Markings
In-Roadway Knockdown Signs
ITS No-RTOT Signs
Pedestrian Call Buttons that Light Up
Warning Sign for Motorist
High Visibility Crosswalk Treatment
Median Refuge
Smart Lighting
Advance Warning for Motorists (Roving Eyes)
ITS Automatic Pedestrian Detection Devices
Portable Speed Trailer
Pedestrian Activated Flashing Yellow
Pedestrian Countdown Signals (Animated Eyes)
Enlarged Pedestrian Signal Heads
Danish Offset
Pedestrian Channelization

Some countermeasures that were proposed in the cross cutting treatment report were changed to match the standard required by the MUTCD 2003. These countermeasures are: Turning Vehicle to Pedestrian Sign, Regulatory Sign for Advance Yield Markings, In-Roadway Knockdown Signs, and Warning Sign for Motorists. Further, the countermeasures that need the request for permission to experiment to the FHWA are Smart Lighting, Enhancer LED Flashing Pedestrian Signal, ITS Automatic Pedestrian Detection Devices, Pedestrian Countdown Signal (animated eyes), and In-Roadway Knockdown Signs.

Table 3 shows the summary of each countermeasure that were installed and evaluated in the Phase 2 of FHWA Pedestrian Safety Project. Summary of the countermeasure includes countermeasure code, countermeasure name, countermeasure drawing details and a short description of the countermeasure. Table 4 presents the details of the installed countermeasures for evaluation at each study location. Table 5 addresses problems accomplished by the installed countermeasures at each study location. Appendix A presents pictures and drawings of these countermeasures.

Figure 2: Selected high crash sites

Figure 2: Selected high crash sites

Table 3: Summary of the Potential Countermeasures
COUNTERMEASURE DWG No. NOTE
Turning vehicles yield to ped sign A1
(Appendix A)
1. Electronic Blank-out sign shall be integrated into existing traffic management systems.
2. Housing body and inside framework permanently attached to form a single unit designed to withstand 80 pound per square foot as specified in AASHTO publication entitled standard specification for structural support for highway signs, luminaires
3. Flat aluminum sign face with fiber optics or LED assembly mouted on it
4. Housings constructed of extruded aluminum with a flat aluminum back welded into the housing
5. The sign shall be completely blank out when not energized.  No phantom words or leged seen under any ambient light conditions
Advance yield markings






            +



Sign yield to pedestians
A2.1
(Appendix A)
A2.2
(Appendix A)
1. See MUTCD Sect.3B.16, Page 3B-33 and 3B-34
1. All components shall be square post, perforated on all four sides
2. Attach anchor and sleeve together prior to driving into ground. Leave at least one hole, but no more than two, above ground or above sidewalk
3. For sidewalk installation, drill sidewalk a 3" hole, the center to be 6" from back of sidewalk
4. Attach post to anchoring system by using at least two 3/8" diameter. drive rivets.
5. Provide 4" minimum lap between post and the anchor/sleeve assembly. One hole, but no more than two, above ground or above sidewalk.
In-roadway knockdown signs A3.1 and A3.2
(Appendix A)
1. 123.05 is YIELD for pedestrian at crosswalk sign
2. 123.05A is WATCH for pedestrian sign (mid-block or no crosswalk locations)
ITS no RTOR signs A4 1. Electronic blank-out sign shall be integrated into existing traffic management systems.
2. Housing body and inside framework permanently attached to form a single unit designed to withstand 80 pound per square foot as specified in AASHTO publication entitled standard specification for structural support for highway signs, luminaires and traf
3. Flat aluminum sign face with fiber optics or LED assembly mouted on it
4. Housings constructed of extruded aluminum with a flat aluminum back welded into the housing
5. The sign shall be completely blank out when not energized.  No phantom words seen under any ambient light conditions
Ped call buttons that light up, other ADA related Technologies A5
(Appendix A)
1. Pedestrian push button shall not be located more than 24" from the back of walk.  If distance from back of walk to push button is 20" to 24", the button shall be located at a maximum hight of 44" from the surface of the walk; otherwise, the maximum hig
2. The force required to activate control shall be no greater than 5 lb.
3. Post shall be HOT-DIP galvanized by manufacturer or prime painted by manufacturer and finish painted by contractor per specifications and as required by the entity
Regulatory sign for motorist A6
(Appendix A)
1. All components shall be square post, perforated on all four sides
2. Attach anchor and sleeve together prior to driving into ground. Leave at least one hole, but no more than two, above ground or above sidewalk
3. For sidewalk installation, drill sidewalk a 3" hole, the center to be 6" from back of sidewalk
4. Attach post to anchoring sstem by using at least two 3/8" diameter. drive rivets.
5. Provide 4" minimum lap between post and the anchor/sleeve assembly.  
 High visibility crosswalk treatment A7
(Appendix A)
1. Types of crosswalks are selected based on the requirement in each jurisdiction
 Median refuge A8
(Appendix A)
 Smart lighting A9
(Appendix A)
1. Metal halide fixtures with reflective floodlights to light the walkways of the pedestrian detection.
2. When activated, it gives a brilliant white light that significantly contrast with the golden color of the high pressure sodium bulbs.
Advance warning for motorists (roving eyes) A10
(Appendix A)
1. Pictographic size: two walking man symbols, NOM, 440 mm high x 280 mm wide, animated eyes NOM 100 mm x 450 mm
2. Over size: 25 1/2 x 49 1/2 x 8 in deep
3. Total luminous intensity: NOM 300 Cd Over a viewing angle
4. Triger signal: contact closure or logic level signal from switch or pedestrian sensor
5. Operating power: 20 Watt NOM .25 VA Max
6. Operating voltage: 120 V.A.C NOM (80-140 Volt operation)
7. The sign shall be completely blank out when not energized.  No phantom words or legend seen under any ambient light conditions.
ITS automatic pedestrian detection devices A11
(Appendix A)
Portable speed trailers
Pedestrian activated flashing yellow A13
(Appendix A)
1. All poles to be HOT-DIP galvanized by manufacturer or prime painted by manufacturer and finish painted by contractor per specifications and as required by the entity.
2. Low bidder must supply shop drawing for design approval before contract can be awarded.
Pedestrian countdown signals (animated eyes) A14
(Appendix A)
1. The hand symbol (DON'T WALK) is portland orange and human symbol (WALK) is lunar white.
Enlarged pedestrian signal heads A15
(Appendix A)
1. Increased the symbols to 9" hight
2. The hand symbol (DON'T WALK) is portland orange and human symbol (WALK) is lunar white.
Danish offset A16
(Appendix A)
Pedestrian channelization A17
(Appendix A)

 

Table 4: Countermeasures Installed for Evaluation at Selected Sites
Site # Location Zone # Jurisdiction Potential Countermeasures
D E H J K M N O Q R S T U W X Y Z
Maryland Parkway (Flamingo Wash – Sierra Vista Drive) 1                                    
1 Maryland Parkway / Sierra Vista Drive CC             X               X    
2 Maryland Parkway / Dumont Street CC   X X       X           X     X  
3 Maryland Parkway / Twain Avenue CC                                  
Harmon (Paradise Road – Las Vegas Boulevard) 2                                    
4 Harmon Avenue / Paradise Road CC X         X                      
5 Harmon Avenue : Paradise Road to Tropicana Wash  CC   X X       X X                  
Flamingo Road (Paradise Road – Las Vegas Boulevard) 3                                    
7 Flamingo Road / Koval Lane NDOT / CC        X     X           X        
8 Flamingo Road / Paradise Road NDOT / CC                                   
Bonanza Road (D Street – H Street) 4                                    
9 Bonanza Road / D Street NDOT / CLV           X X                   X
10 Bonanza Road / F Street NDOT / CLV     X       X                    
Twain Avenue (Cambridge Street   Palos Verde Street) 5                                    
11 Twain Avenue: Cambridge Street to Swenson Street CC     X                   X        
12 Twain Avenue: Swenson Street to Palos Verde Street  CC     X                            
Lake Mead Boulevard (Pecos Road – Las Vegas Boulevard) 6                                    
13 Lake Mead Boulevard / Las Vegas Boulevard NDOT / NLV             X               X    
14 Lake Mead Boulevard / McDaniel Street NDOT / NLV                                  
15 Lake Mead Boulevard: Belmont Street to McCarran Street  NDOT / NLV   X       X X X X X   X   X      
16 Lake Mead Boulevard / Pecos Road NDOT / NLV X       X                        
Fremont Street (15th Street   6th Street) 7                                    
17 Fremont Street: 11th Street to 8th Street NDOT / CLV                                  
18 Fremont Streer: 8th Street to 6th Street NDOT / CLV     X   X       X                
Charleston Boulevard (Maryland Parkway   Eastern Avenue) 8                                    
19 Charleston Boulevard/ Spencer Street* CLV   X       X X     X X X          

 

*New study location
** Excluded from further consideration COUNTERMEASURES
      D Turning vehicles yield to Ped Sign Q  Smart Lighting
CC Clark County   E Advance Yield Markings R Advance Warning for Motorists (roving eyes)
NDOT Nevada DOT   H In-Roadway Knockdown Signs S ITS Automatic Pedestrian Detection Devices
CLV City of Las Vegas   J ITS No RTOR Signs T Portable Speed Trailers
NLV City of North Las Vegas   K  Ped Call Buttons that Light Up, other
ADA related Technologies
U Pedestrian Activated Flashing Yellow
  M  Regulatory Sign for Motorist W Pedestrian Countdown Signals (animated eyes)
  N High Visibility Crosswalk Treatment X Enlarged Pedestrian Signal Heads
  O  Median Refuge Y Danish Offset
      Z Pedestrian Channelization

 

Table 5: Relationships between Existing Problems and Installed Countermeasures
Site # Location Problems / Concerns Countermeasure A
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
1 Maryland Parkway / Sierra Vista Drive     X X X             Enlarged pedestrian countdown signal (animated eyes) (X) X
X X                   High visibility crosswalk treatment (N)
2 Maryland Parkway / Dumont Street           X X X       Advance yield markings + sign yield to pedestrian (E) X
  X       X           High visibility crosswalk treatment (N) X
    X     X X X       In-roadway knockdown signs (H) X
    X     X           Danish Offset (Y) X
                      Pedestrian activated flashing yellow (U) X
3 Maryland Parkway / Twain Avenue Control Site
4 Harmon Avenue / Paradise Road                 X X   Regulatory sign for motorists (M) X
                X X   Turning vehicles yield to pedestrian sign (D) X
5 Harmon Avenue: Paradise Road to Tropicana Wash           X   X       Advance yield markings + sign yield to pedestrian (E) X
X X                   High visibility crosswalk treatment (N) X
X   X     X   X       In-roadway knockdown signs (H) X
X   X     X   X       In-roadway knockdown signs (H) X
    X     X           Median Refuge (O) X
7 Flamingo Road/Koval Lane   X       X           High visibility crosswalk treatment (N) X
  X       X           ITS No RTOR signs (J) X
  X       X           Pedestrian countdown signals (animated eyes) (W) X
8 Flamingo Road / Koval Lane Control Site
9 Bonanza Road / D Street           X X         Warning Sign for Motorists (M) X
X   X       X   X     Pedestrain channelization (Z) X
X X       X X         High visibility crosswalk treatment (N) X
10 Bonanza Road / F Street X X       X X         High visibility crosswalk treatment (N) X
X         X X   X     In-roadway knockdown signs (H) X
11 Twain Avenue: Cambridge Street to Swenson Street X         X   X X     In-roadway knockdown signs (H) X
X         X   X       Portable speed trailers with fine info (T)  
12 Twain Avenue: Swenson Streeet to Palos Verde Street X   X     X X   X     In-roadway knockdown signs (H) X
13 Lake Mead Boulevard / Las Vegas Boulevard       X X             Enlarged pedestrian signal heads (X) X
X X                   High visibility crosswalk treatment (N) X
14 Lake Mead Boulevard / McDaniel Street Control Site
15 Lake Mead Boulevard / Belmont Street to McCarran Street           X           Advance warning for motorists (Roving Eyes) ( R) X
              X       Advance yield markings + sign yield to pedestrian (E) X
X         X           High visibility crosswalk treatment (N) X
                X   X ITS automatic pedestrain detection devices (S) X
          X           Pedestrian activated flashing yellow (U) X
      X   X         X Smart lighting (Q) X
    X     X           Median Refuge (O) X
    X     X           Danish Offset (Y) X
16 Lake Mead Boulevard / Pecos Road           X X   X X   Regulatory sign for motorists (M) X
            X   X X   Turning vehicles yield to pedestrian sign (D) X
17 Fremont Street: 11th Street to 8th Street Control Site
18 Fremont Street: 8th Street to 6th Street X           X X       In-roadway knockdown signs (H) X
      X               Pedestrian call buttons that light up (ADA related technologies) (K) X
X           X X       Portable speed trailer with fine info (T)  
19 Charleston Boulevard/ Spencer Street* X         X           High visibility crosswalk treatment (N) X
X               X     Regulatory sign for motorists (M) X
              X       Advance yield markings + sign yield to pedestrian (E) X
      X   X           Smart lighting (Q) X
          X           Advance warning for motorists (Roving Eyes) (R) X
                X   X ITS automatic pedestrain detection devices (S) X

SUMMARY OF THE COUNTERMEASURES INSTALLED

Brief discussions for each countermeasure are discussed next.

Turning vehicles yield to pedestrian sign

This countermeasure is a symbol sign that reminds turning motorists that they must yield to pedestrians at traffic signals. This sign was tested at two different positions at each high crash location; position 1 placed next to the traffic signal (on the far side of the intersection) and position 2 placed on a sign pole 50 feet ahead of the intersection. Turning vehicles yield to pedestrian sign is as recommended in MUTCD 2003, Section 2B.45 (R10-15) (drawing 123.04 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

Advance yield markings + Yield here to pedestrian sign

Installation of this countermeasure 30 to 50 feet in advance of crosswalks at uncontrolled locations enhances pedestrian safety. These markings produce a clear zone for pedestrians to reduce conflicts and crashes caused by the screening effect of vehicles on multilane roadways. Advance yield markings are as recommended in MUTCD 2003, Section 3B.16. Additionally, sign yield to pedestrians is following the stand in MUTCD 2003, Section 2B.11 (R1-5a) (drawing 123.02 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

In-roadway knockdown signs

Pedestrian in-roadway knockdown sign or the in-street pedestrian crossing sign are used to remind motorists for pedestrians’ right of way at a crossing or to warn motorists about pedestrian traffic at a mid-block. For the sign at crosswalks, the legend STATE LAW is shown at the top of the sign if applicable. The legends YIELD TO may be used in conjunction with the appropriate symbol (MUTCD 2003, Section 2B.12). This sign is referred to the sign R1-6 in the MUTCD 2003. For the sign at mid-block, the legend WATCH FOR with pedestrian pictogram is proposed for this study. These signs are expected to be effective in increasing the number of motorists stopping for pedestrians and reducing the number of pedestrians, who had to run, hesitate, or abort their crossing (drawing 123.05 and 123.05A of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

ITS No RTOR Signs

This countermeasure is a symbol sign to remind motorists that turning vehicles must come to a full stop and yield to cross-street traffic and pedestrians prior to turning right on red. Many motorists do not fully comply with the regulations, especially at intersections with wide turning radii. Motorists are so intent on looking for traffic approaching on their left that they may not be alert to pedestrians approaching on their right. In addition, motorists usually pull up into the crosswalk to wait for a gap in traffic, blocking pedestrian crossing movements. In some instances, motorists simply do not come to a full stop (Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center). This sign is placed next to the traffic signal. It remains completely blank when not energized. No phantom words were seen under any ambient light conditions. Electronic blank-out sign are integrated into existing traffic management system. ITS No RTOR sign is following the standard in MUTCD 2003, Section 2B.45 (R10-11) (drawing 123.06 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

Pedestrian call buttons that light up/confirm press, other ADA related technologies

This countermeasure is one of the accessible pedestrian signals (APS).  APS is a device that communicates information about pedestrian timing in non-visual format such as audible tones, verbal messages, and/or vibrating surfaces (MUTCD 2003, Section 4A.01). The LED light up button which is installed with this countermeasure also gives information to pedestrians that the sign is activated after they push the button (drawing 123.07 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

Warning sign for motorist

The objective of this countermeasure is to enhance visibility and minimize inappropriate perceptions between pedestrians and the motorists. The MUTCD recommends the use of an advance pedestrian crossing sign in advance of locations where pedestrians may cross but may not be expected by the motorist. Warning sign for motorist is based on the standards set in MUTCD 2003, Section 2C.41 (W11-2) (drawing 123.03 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

High visibility crosswalk treatment

Currently, existing crosswalks at the selected locations have inconspicuous conditions. The objective of this countermeasure is to enhance visibility and minimize inappropriate perceptions between the pedestrians and the motorists. This countermeasure is also expected to encourage greater number of pedestrians to use cross crosswalks.

Problems addressed

Median refuge

Median refuges are raised barriers in the center portion of the street or roadway that serve as a place of refuge for pedestrians who cross a street at mid-block or at an intersection location. These median, in turn, also helps to reduce the speed of vehicles. They also have benefits for motorist safety when they replace center turn lanes. Desired turning movements need to be carefully provided so that motorists are not forced to travel on inappropriate routes, such as residential streets, or make unsafe U-turns (Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center).

Problems addressed

Smart lighting

The objective of the smart lighting strategy is to increase the intensity of illumination at the crosswalk when a pedestrian is detected in the crosswalk. The sudden increase in lighting intensity alerts motorists that pedestrians are in crosswalk more so than when continuous intensity light is used in the crosswalk. Note that high intensity lighting will remain only when pedestrians are present in the crosswalk (drawing 123.12 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

ITS automatic pedestrian detection devices

This countermeasure is a device that is installed with advance warning for motorists (roving eyes) or smart lighting. The detection devices use ultrasonic or microwave radar to detect pedestrians at crossing areas. This countermeasure is aimed at reducing overall pedestrian/vehicle conflicts and inappropriate crossings (drawing 123.11 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

Portable speed trailers

This mounted radar display trailer is accurate, at about five miles per hour, and easily read at a glance.  Additionally, differences from the use of a traditional portable speed trailer which only provides feedback on vehicle speed, this speed trailer also informs the driver of the size of the fine associated with their speed (if they exceed the speed limit). These fine related information was collected from the local police departments.  

Problems addressed

Pedestrian activated flashing yellow

Pedestrian activated flashing yellow is pedestrian-activated overhead flashing yellow lights and downward lighting installed above the crosswalk. The flashing yellow lights could be either activated by a pedestrian pushing a button at the curb or activated by “ITS automatic pedestrian detection devices.” These flashing lights are timed to stay on long enough to allow pedestrians to cross the street. This countermeasure has the objective of drawing the attention of drivers to the presence of a crosswalk ahead, and encouraging pedestrians in crossing the street (drawing 123.13 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

Pedestrian countdown signals (animated eyes)

The animated eyes ITS warning sign is installed together with pedestrian countdown signal and walk man pictogram. The main purpose of the “animated eyes” is to remind pedestrian to look left and right for the vehicles before crossing the street. The sign could be activated by a pedestrian call button or using pedestrian detection devices (drawing 123.10 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

Danish offset

Danish Offset is the use of an offset at the middle of a multilane crossing to ensure pedestrians are facing the next half of traffic being crossed. In addition, it also provides a median refuge to pedestrians.

Problems addressed

Pedestrian Channelization

Pedestrian Channelization is commonly used where the safe direction of pedestrian traffic is required. It is also seen on construction sites and roadway works. This countermeasure can also be used as a safety barrier to separate vehicles and people (drawing 123.08 of Appendix A).

Problems addressed

Pedestrian do NOT wait for signals/acceptable gaps

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Page last modified on February 1, 2013
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