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TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
To: Mr. Ken Griffin, P.E.
City of Coppell, Texas
From: C. Brian Shamburger, P.E.
Kimley -Horn and Associates, Inc.
Date: October 23, 2006
Subject: Pedestrian Safety Evaluation
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive
Coppell, Texas
In response to your request, we have evaluated the pedestrian and intersection operations
at Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive. The purpose of our review was to identify
potential safety related improvements that could be implemented at the subject
intersection. Based on our review, we offer the following observations and
recommendations:
Education, Enforcement, and Outreach Program
Based on our field observations and discussions with City staff, we understand that
jaywalking is a problem at and near this intersection. Although many of the traffic control
devices and technologies we will recommend should help improve pedestrian safety in
the area, the City should deploy a strong education, enforcement, and outreach program
at the nearby high school. Numerous publications and educational programs can be found
on the web. For more information, the City should contact the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) at www.nhtsa.gov and go to the Traffic
Safety /Pedestrians section.
Pedestrian Crosswalks
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A new east -west crosswalk should be installed across the south side of Town Center
Drive. The crosswalk should be installed using 12 -inch solid white thermoplastic spaced
eight to ten feet apart (perpendicular to traffic flow). For added visibility, the area of the '1 ci t
crosswalk may be marked with longitudinal lines parallel to traffic flow (24 -inch solid
white spaced 48- inches on centers — see Exhibit 1). The City should monitor this
crosswalk on an annual basis to ensure these markings are still in place and clearly
visible.
The City should prohibit pedestrians from crossing Denton Tap along the north side of Q °1„�ou -
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Town Center Drive. The existing crossing is not marked and directional ramps are not in n .e
place. The existing median nose along the north side of the intersection is also in conflict.
Pedestrian access to the northwest corner along the north side of Town Center is Ole ` ►e0e-h" 4 ",1""e
extremely difficult due to the existing landscaping and no sidewalk in place (see Exhibits
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation October 2006
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive Page 1
Coppell, Texas
❑ M PI Kimley -Hom
and Associates, Inc.
0
2 and 3). If the City agrees to eliminate this crossing, the existing pedestrian signal heads
/ and push buttons should be removed and the No Pedestrian Crossing (R9 -3a) signs
should be installed on the existing signal poles. Eliminating this crossing will also
simplify the signal operations at this intersection. The east -west signal operations are split
phased, and eliminated this long pedestrian phase would minimize the time required to
serve the side street.
Existing north -south crosswalks are located along both sides of Denton Tap Road. Both
crosswalks were constructed using brick pavers. The crosswalk along the east side of
Denton Tap crosses the existing raised median along Town Center (see Exhibit 2). As
can been seen in the photo, the crosswalk and stop bar are located well back from the
intersection and vehicles frequently stop on the crosswalk. Use of the crosswalk can be
N problematic and would result in a pedestrian having to walk around stopped vehicles.
The City should consider relocating this crosswalk closer to the intersection, which eov,Pt ,a ,,(-
would require reconstructing the sidewalk ramps and median nose. If motorists are going :i`,1°
to pull forward so that they can see along Denton Tap Road, the crosswalk and stop bar
should be placed accordingly.
/ Countdown Pedestrian Signals
J The City should replace the existing pedestrian signals with countdown pedestrian
signals.
It is well documented that many pedestrians do not understand the meaning of the
pedestrian signal indications, particularly the flashing Don't Walk (clearance interval).
Some studies have suggested that only about half of the pedestrians understand the
meaning of the flashing Don't Walk display. Countdown pedestrian signals have been
developed in recent years to help clarify the meaning of the pedestrian signal indications.
A countdown pedestrian signal contains a timer displays that counts down and shows the
number of seconds remaining to finish crossing the street. The purpose of the signal is to
help pedestrians get out of the intersection before being exposed to oncoming traffic. A
countdown signal can reassure a pedestrian who is in the crosswalk when the flashing
Don't Walk phase appears that he or she still has time to finish crossing and does not
need to panic, run to the opposite curb, return to the starting curb, and stop in the middle
of the street. A copy of a current technical specification from the manufacturer Dialight is
attached for your review (see Exhibit 4).
The use of countdown pedestrian signals has several positive outcomes including:
• A pedestrian already in the street during the flashing Don't Walk will see the
countdown timer and take action such as walking faster if necessary to reach the
other side of the street safely, before the timer counts down to zero (and opposing
traffic turns green).
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation October 2006
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive Page 2
Coppell, Texas
E _ I, Kimley -Hom
and Associates, Inc.
• A pedestrian who arrives at the curb during the flashing Don't Walk and
observes that the countdown shows only a few seconds may decide that there is
not enough time to cross the street and therefore may wait until the beginning of
the next Walk interval. The ability to see the time available to cross the street is
even more important when crossing wide, high volume streets such as Denton
Tap.
Overall, the use of countdown pedestrian signals should improve pedestrian safety by
reducing the number of pedestrians stranded in the street when cross traffic gets a green
light.
Pedestrian Signal Signs
To help improve pedestrian understanding of the existing symbolic pedestrian signal
indications, the City recently installed pedestrian signal educational signs (R10-3b) on the
signal poles in the southeast and southwest corners of the intersection (see Exhibit 5).
Six additional signs should be installed for the remaining three crosswalks.
If the City decides to install countdown pedestrian signals at this intersection, all
pedestrian push button signs should be replaced with the sign R10 -3e (see Exhibit 6).
Audible Pedestrian Signals
The City may want to consider installing audible pedestrian signals to complement the
recommended countdown pedestrian signals. Although normally reserved for locations
serving visually impaired pedestrians, pedestrian signals that provide audible and/or
vibrotactile information coinciding with visual pedestrian signals let pedestrians know
precisely when the WALK interval begins. This information is useful in negotiating an
intersection and preparing to cross. Pedestrians who know when the crossing interval
begins will be able to start a crossing before turning cars enter the intersection and can
complete a crossing with less delay. Audible signals can also provide directional
guidance, which is particularly useful at wide multi -lane crossings such as Denton Tap
Road and non - perpendicular intersections. Vendor shop drawings for the proposed
audible pedestrian signals have been provided as Exhibit 7.
Pedestrian Push Buttons
everal of the pedestrian push buttons mounted on the existing signal poles are located
too far from the sidewalk ramp landing areas (see Exhibit 8). Per ADA requirements, the
push buttons should be located within 10 feet of the landing area and an accessible route
should be provided to the push buttons. If these conditions are not met, pedestrians tend
to cross the intersection without pushing the button. Supplemental pedestal poles or the
push button assembly type shown on Exhibit 9 should be installed on each corner.
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation October 2006
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive Page 3
Coppell, Texas
❑ /1 Kimley -Hom
and Associates, Inc.
Pedestrian Clearance Intervals
The pedestrian clearance times to cross Denton Tap (Ped Phases 4 and 8) should be
J sufficient to allow a pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk who left during the curb during
the Walking Person (symbolic WALK) signal indication to travel at a walking speed of
3.5 feet per second to the far side curb. Based on our field measurements, the following
pedestrian clearance times should be used:
Walk Distance across Recommended
Pedestrian Denton Tap Road Pedestrian Clearance Intervals (seconds)
Phase (feet) Walk Flashing
_ Don't Walk *
WB 110 7.0 32.0
EB 125 7.0 36.0
* Recommended based on a walking speed of 3.5 ft /sec
Coordinated Signal Timing
The City maintains coordinated signal timing along Denton Tap Road. Unique timing
plans have been developed for the various peak periods throughout the day. Based on our
field observations, it is highly unlikely that the current or recommended pedestrian
J clearance intervals above can be accommodated within the existing coordinated cycle
lengths and splits, especially since the intersection at Town Center is split phased along
Town Center. When a pedestrian actuates the signal (i.e., pushes the button), the traffic
signal will fall out of coordination to accommodate the longer split and then get back in
step over the next few cycles. If a pedestrian chooses to not actuate the pedestrian signals,
the current coordinated split times will not provide enough walk time to safely cross the
intersection.
The City is not liable for the negligent act of the pedestrian since it provided the push
buttons as a means to preempt the signal. But, given the blatant ignorance of the use of
the push buttons, the City may want to set the pedestrian phases on "recall" or develop a
special "school" plan for the time periods with high school pedestrian traffic. In either
case, the timing plans would need to accommodate both east -west pedestrian phases,
/ which given the split phased operations would require approximately 82 seconds for the
side street (not ideal or likely recommended). If the City agrees to eliminate the
pedestrian phase along the north side of Town Center, the minimum time required to
serve the side street would decrease significantly.
Unless the City agrees to eliminate the westbound pedestrian phase or the signal just
never stays in coordination due to high pedestrian traffic volumes, we do not recommend
developing unique timing plans for the school peaks. The City should rather implement
measures to increase use of existing pedestrian push buttons (e.g., install push buttons
closer to the ramps and/or passive or automated pedestrian detection systems).
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation October 2006
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive Page 4
Coppell, Texas
E =11 T, Kimley -Hom
MI and Associates, Inc.
Passive or Automated Pedestrian Detection Systems
The City should consider installing passive or automated pedestrian detection systems to
supplement the existing pedestrian push buttons.
Pedestrians often do not activate the pedestrian signal because they believe the button
already has been pressed, do not think it is working, or cannot access the button. As
discussed above, the signal operations are vehicle actuated and coordinated during peak
periods. If a pedestrian does not actuate the push button, the pedestrian will not have
sufficient time to cross Denton Tap if he or she crosses the street with the vehicle phase
times. Automated pedestrian detection systems can detect the presence of pedestrians and
call the Walk signal without any required action by the pedestrian. The systems also have
the capability to extend the pedestrian phase if a pedestrian is detected as still in the
crosswalk at the end of the pedestrian phase and delay the start of the opposing vehicle
phase. Studies have shown that these systems, when used in conjunction with standard
pedestrian push buttons, result in fewer overall pedestrian - vehicle conflicts and fewer
inappropriate crossings (i.e., beginning to cross during the flashing Don't Walk interval).
These systems include the use of microwave, infrared, and video imaging processing.
Exhibit 10 illustrates a typical automated pedestrian detection system installation.
School Zones
We do not recommend installing a speed zone along Denton Tap at this intersection.
School zones are traditionally reserved for streets adjacent to a school site and can be
counterproductive to the coordinated signal timing currently in place along Denton Tap
Road. School zones should also not be the means to allow pedestrians to safely cross the
road. The traffic signal provides both motorists and pedestrians the ability to safely enter
or cross Denton Tap.
Advance Warning Signs and Traffic Control Devices
Based on our discussions, we understand that City staff has been asked to consider
installing pedestrian crossing warning signs with flashing beacons along Denton Tap. We
do not recommend installing these devices upstream and downstream of this intersection.
These traffic control devices should only be used at locations where unexpected entries
into the roadway might occur. In short, motorists expect pedestrians to be crossing at
signalized intersections.
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation October 2006
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive Page 5
Coppell, Texas
II MI „ Kimley -Hom
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Spacing of lines selected II 1111111 I I
to avoid wheel path
Exhibit 1. Example of Recommended Crosswalk Markings (4 options)
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Exhibit 2. Existing Crosswalk along the East Side of Denton Tap Road
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation October 2006
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive Page 6
Coppell, Texas
Kimley -Hom
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,
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Proposed
Sidewalk Ramp
Exhibit 3. Existing Crosswalk along the North side of Town Center Road
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation October 2006
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive Page 7
Coppell, Texas
D 1 1 EXHIBIT 4. COUNTDOWN PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL SPECIFICATION
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L Uniformity. ITE Conformity.
UNIFORM APPEARANCE
COUNTDOWN FEATURES / BENEFITS
PED ESTRIAN SIGNALS Uniform appearance symbols exceed ITE PTCSI -2 requirements
9" high 2 -row countdown digits for maximum visibility
Countdown is fully MUTCD - compliant (even for crosswalks over 100 ft.)
Unique memory feature allows countdown time to remain stored
internally, even when power is removed for extended periods of time
Full preemption compatibility... Countdown reverts to it's previous timing
I n immediately following a preemption call
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Up to 4 units can be connected in parallel without disturbing the monitoring of the Hand /Person
Automatically adjusts to traffic controller interval changes
ENERGY STAR® qualified
90% reduction in power vs. incandescent
Long life; up to 10 times longer than incandescent
Sealed moisture resistant enclosure
Lens has a textured surface to reduce glare
Easy to install into existing signal enclosure
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Voltage Range: Luminance uniformity and color uniformity exceed
80VAC to 135VAC (120VAC nominal) ITE PTCSI -2 LED Pedestrian Signal Specification
Operating Temperature Range: -40 °C to +74 °C requirements
Turn -on / Turn -off Time < 75 msec Transient suppression exceeds ITE PTCSI -2 LED
Power Factor > 0.9 Pedestrian Signal Specification requirements and
Total Harmonic Distortion < 20% meets the following standards:
Meets FCC Title 47, Subpart B, Section 15 NEMA TS -2 Sec. 2.1.6 and Sec. 2.1.8
regulations for electrical noise IEC 1000 -4 -5, 3KV, 2 ohm source impedance
Conforms to MIL - STD -810F for blowing rain ANSI /IEEE C62, 41 -2002; IEC 61000 -4 -12,
Conforms to MIL - STD -883, Test Method 2007, 6KV, 200A, 100KHz ring wave
for mechanical vibration
Conforms to MIL - STD -883, Test Method 1010, 430-6479-001X meets City of Los Angeles DOT
temperature cycling requirements specifications
Provided with quick connect terminals and spade adapters
Written manufacturer's warranty available on request
All products traceable by serial number
Dialight reserves the right to make changes at any time
in order to supply the best product possible. Dialight Corporation
1501 Route 34 South • Farmingdale, NJ 07727 USA
Tel: (1) 732- 919 -3119 • Fax: (1) 732- 751 -5778 • www.dialight.com
A4703 ISO 9001
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Exhibit 6. Countdown Pedestrian Signal Push Button Sign (R10 -3e)
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation October 2006
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive Page 9
Coppell, Texas
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Exhibit 9. Example of Proposed Supplemental Push Button Assembly Installation
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive October 2006
Coppell, Texas Page 12
❑ OM ri Kimley -Hom
and Associates, Inc.
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Exhibit 10. Example of Passive or Automated Pedestrian Detection System
Pedestrian Safety Evaluation October 2006
Denton Tap Road and Town Center Drive Page 13
Coppell, Texas