High-Visibility Crosswalks

Image Source: Google Earth. Bardstown Rd., Louisville.

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION

High-visibility crosswalks have pavement markings (i.e., bar pair, longitudinal bar, ladder) that are visible to drivers and pedestrians from a longer distance than crosswalks with traditional transverse lines. They can also help users make safer decisions about where to cross.

Implementation Categories

CONSIDERATIONS

• Drivers are more likely to yield at high-visibility crosswalks.
• See Chapter 3C of the MUTCD for more information on crosswalk markings.  KYTC typically uses the Ladder style of High Visibility Crosswalk from Figure 3C-1.
• For the Longitudinal Bar Crosswalk, KYTC most commonly uses the 2 ft bar with the 2 ft gap. Spacing of bars should be modified so as to avoid tire paths of approaching vehicles.
• KYTC’s Traffic Operations Guidance Manual (TO-504) recommends high-visibility crosswalks at mid-block crossings and school zones.
• Figure 6.17 of KYTC’s Complete Streets, Roads, and Highways Manual includes considerations for high-visibility crosswalks. The manual states “Longitudinal markings should be used where added emphasis is needed for the crosswalk, on shared-use path or trail crossings, or where local preference dictates.”

APPLICATION

• Install high-visibility crosswalks at school and mid-block crossings. Consider using them at other crosswalks based on context, speed, and other factors. See MUTCD Section 3C.05.

example

Image Source: MUTCD

Complementary SSA Strategies

• Raised Intersections
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
• Roadway Narrowing — Curb Extensions