Accessible Pedestrian Signal

Judy WongSenior Transportation Engineer

City of Los Angeles, Department of Transportation (LADOT)

Background• Conventional

intersections with two signal phases

Background (continued)• Signalized

intersections with multi-phase

Background(continued)• Intersections with unusual geometry

Unusual geometry

City Council and Public Involvements

•Complaints from public•Requests from Commission on Disability•Feasibility study directed by the City Council’s Transportation Committee•Study presented to City Council

What is an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) ?

A device that communicates information about pedestrian timing at signalized intersections to the visually impaired.

Features•Locator tone: provides info regarding existence and location of ped pushbuttons•Push button: places a call for the “WALK” signal and activates the APS •Vibro-tactile arrow: indicates the direction of travel and emits a distinguishable tone as it vibrates during “WALK” phases

Ped-actuated Pedestrian Crossing

• Pushbutton activates accessible ped signal and the WALK interval

Pre-timed & Rest-in-Walk Pedestrian Crossing

• Pushbutton activates accessible ped signals only. WALK interval is on recall.

Figure 2B-26CA MUTCD 2012

Applications• Intersections adjacent to a major pedestrian traffic

generator such as transit centers, municipal facilities, shopping centers, etc.

• New signalized locations• Intersections with left turn phasing or multiple

phasing• Intersections at light rail crossings• Locations frequently used by individuals with visual

disability

APS Installation at Los Angeles City Hall

Los Angeles Metro Gold Line Station

Los Angeles Metro Expo Line Station

CA MUTCD 2012

Cost

• $1,100 per APS unit including labor and material – $650 per regular pushbutton

• A typical four-leg intersection requires 8 APS units, which amounts to $8,800 per intersection.

Conclusion• Well received by the Commission on Disability• Positive feedback from the public• Developed comprehensive application guidelines• Approached by other agencies to share experience• Explore additional features to provide more benefits