an update on...roadway type (# lanes + median type) vehicle adt < 9,000 vehicle adt > 9,000 -...

AN UPDATE ON

City of Arlington, Texas 2

WHAT MAKES A SAFE SCHOOL CROSSING?


Successful school crossings are a result of a strong partnership between the City and school districts

• Engineering

• Education

• Enforcement

• Evaluation


• Established guidelines determine the level of necessary improvements

• Generally, the more vehicles, higher speed and larger size of the roadway requires more improvements

Roadway Type

(# Lanes + Median Type)

Vehicle ADT< 9,000

Vehicle ADT> 9,000 - 12,000

Vehicle ADT>12,000 - 15,000

Vehicle ADT> 15,000

SPEED LIMIT (mph)

<30 35 >40 <30 35 >40 <30 35 >40 <30 35 >40

2 Lanes C C P C C P C C N C P N

3 lanes C C P C P P P P N P N N

4+ lanes w/ raised

medianC C P C P N P P N N N N

4+ lanes w/out raised

medianC P N P P N N N N N N N

C: Marked crosswalk in school zoneP: Pedestrian facility enhancements including crossing guard, off duty police, offset crossing in existing median, 10’ SCHOOL XING pavement marking, fluorescent yellow-green signs, advance stop lines, fences and railing to consolidate crossings N: Substantial crossing improvements include installing a median, constructing a signal with pedestrian signal where warranted, or grade separating.


• Each crossing is developed in collaboration with the school for appropriate location

• There is not a “one-size fits all” for pedestrian safety at any school


• Education and enforcement is a shared responsibility

• PWT and APD work very closely with schools and provide outreach to schools regarding driver and pedestrian safety

• Driver and pedestrian distraction presents a significant risk to the success of school crossings


• Continual monitoring throughout the first year following installation

• As needed thereafter in collaboration with the school to address concerns and determine any necessary adjustments


CITYSAFE SCHOOL CROSSING

INITIATIVES

• 4 independent school districts with 87 campuses

• Arlington ISD

• Mansfield ISD

• Hurst Euless Bedford ISD

• Kennedale ISD

• 10 charter schools


• Guidance and support regarding traffic issues within and around school campuses

• Installation of school zones and crossings with flashers, markings and signage

• School zones established in the Traffic and Motor Vehicles Chapter of the Code of Ordinances



• Safe Routes to School Program

• Street design and capital improvements

• Specialized pedestrian signal timing at major intersections

• Review school building plans on access points and circulation to prevent future problems; advise on the installation of needed safety and traffic control devices

• Crossing guards are provided at all AISD elementary schools

• annual budget is $461,500

• 94 part-time positions

• recruit, hire, train and monitor

• Mansfield, Kennedale, and H.E.B. provide for crossing guards at their expense


• Coordination with AISD to address issues regarding student pedestrian safety have proven successful over the years


• Concern: students crossing Cooper Street midblock

• Actions: conditions observed, evaluated and discussed with AISD administration and TxDOT

• Results:

• applied for and received Transportation Alternative Program grant to install a signalized intersection at Cooper and Snooty Fox Dr.


• Concern: students crossing Randol Mill and Fielder midblock in lieu of signalized intersection crosswalks

• Actions: conditions observed, evaluated and discussed with school

• Results: • 1) increased length of existing school zone

• 2) added a new school zone

• 3) designated additional crossing guard

• 4) advised the principal to remind students to use crosswalks


• Concern: students crossing Park Row and Cooper


• Results:

• 1) improved drop off zone along Park Row

• 2) installed pedestrian signal technology at Park Row/Cooper intersection

• 3) added additional crosswalks


• Offered to partner with AISD to construct a pedestrian signal on Park Row

• City would provide labor and heavy equipment

• AISD would provide materials (ie: signal poles)

• Offered training to school staff to serve as crossing guards



• Concern: students crossing Lamar Blvd. and street lighting during evening events


• Results:• 1) currently installing additional pedestrian lighting

along Lamar

• 2) installed additional crosswalks, accessible ramps, flashers and signage

• 3) advised staff to discourage parent drop off/pick up along Lamar


• Offered to partner with AISD to construct a pedestrian signal on Lamar

• City would provide labor and heavy equipment

• AISD would provide materials (ie: signal poles)

• Offered training to school staff to serve as crossing guards


• Concern: students crossing Park Springs and Sublett intersection


• Results:• 1) omitted permissive left turn during school

times to reduce vehicle/pedestrian conflict

• 2) provided advance pedestrian walk phase before concurrent vehicle phase to reduce vehicle right turn and pedestrian conflict


• Concern: inefficient drop off/pick up caused intersection delays


• Results:

• 1) worked with school to reverse direction of flow to allow more vehicle storage

• 2) advised school staff on managing internal circulation


• Concern: students and parents parking along residential streets

• Actions: petition from residents with 80% concurrence and discuss with schools

• Results:

• 1) installed NO PARKING signs in many neighborhoods adjacent to schools

• 2) improved drop off/pick up circulation


These city efforts occur very regularly and require significant staff time and resources and have made it safer for students at schools within the City.


DISCUSSION

an update on...roadway type (# lanes + median type) vehicle adt < 9,000 vehicle adt > 9,000 -...

Documents