Administrative Policy #7.11 - Community Improvements
Purpose
To establish guidelines regarding marked crosswalks and for locating crosswalks where they add safety.
Pedestrian safety can be enhanced through the appropriate use of various crossing treatments.
Scope
Applies to pedestrian crossings within public street rights-of-way under the jurisdiction of the City.
Procedures
Marked pedestrian crossings will be established by Traffic Order, according to the provisions of CMC Section 6.10.020.040. Crosswalks will be marked consistent with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
Goals
Recognizing that marking a crosswalk in some situations may decrease pedestrian safety, the goal of this document is to:
a. Provide guidance on the placement of marked pedestrian crossings that will enhance pedestrian crossing safety and avoid placing marked crossings which may reduce safety and/or an increase in motorist/pedestrian crashes.
b. Provide a consistent procedure to be used by staff in deciding when to consider marked crosswalks in Corvallis.
c. Inform the general public on the criteria for marking crosswalks in Corvallis.
Guidelines
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has published a report that provides guidance on when marking a crosswalk may increase safety: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/04100/04100.pdf
Marked crosswalks will be considered at the following locations:
a. Where there are 20 or more peak- hour pedestrian crossings or a reasonable expectation of that volume. At locations with a significant number of elderly or child pedestrians, this threshold may be reduced.
b. Signalized intersections.
c. School crossings with patrols.
d. School crossings on established safe routes to schools where there is substantial conflict between drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrian movements, where students are encouraged to cross between intersections, or where students would not otherwise recognize the proper place to cross.
e. At a preferred crossing location to promote the use of the safer location.
f. Designated pedestrian islands.
The need for pedestrian-activated signals at marked crossings will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Vehicle volumes, vehicle speeds, pedestrian volumes, crossing opportunities, and the crossing location will be considered when analyzing the appropriateness of a pedestrian-activated signal.
The following guidelines are provided to assist in the understanding of the circumstances under which a pedestrian-activated signal may be considered. These are not intended to identify the actual criteria used to analyze a location but, rather, to present the minimum thresholds that are typical before further analysis is undertaken. Pedestrian-activated signals may be considered at locations when all of the following criteria are met:
a. Twenty or more peak-hour pedestrian crossings, or a reasonable expectation of that volume. At locations with a significant number of elderly or child pedestrians, this threshold may be reduced.
b. A vehicular volume exceeding 1,500 vehicles per day
c. Sufficient width for a pedestrian refuge (in general, two-lane roadways will not qualify)
d. More than a 300-foot separation from the nearest marked or protected crossing
When considering pedestrian-activated signals at school crossings, some exceptions to the pedestrian and vehicle volume thresholds may be made.
Responsiblity
The Public Works Director or their designee will manage the process for considering marked crossings and developing Traffic Orders for their installation. Traffic Orders are approved by the City Manager.
Definitions
Crosswalk: An area of pedestrian right-of-way identified by the prolongation of a curb, sidewalk, or shoulder across an intersection, whether it is marked or not. Outside of an intersection, a crosswalk is created with markings on the road.
Marked Crosswalk: Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere that is distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface of the roadway that conform in design to the standards established for crosswalks under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 810.200. A marked crosswalk is designated in a specific manner as described in the MUTCD in Section 3B.18. Crosswalk Markings.
MUTCD: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. This manual is published by the FHWA and establishes traffic control standards to be used in the United States.
Review/Update
The Public Works Director will prepare this Administrative Procedure for review as needed for City Manager approval.
Last reviewed: 08-17-2021
