Pedestrian crossing distances on SR 82 are relatively long, which exposes pedestrians to traffic for significant periods of time and can deter walking. Long crossing distances are of particular concern for seniors, children, and those with mobility impairments. Pedestrians who cannot cross completely in the time allotted by traffic signals, or who must wait for passing traffic, can be stranded in the roadway.
Signalized intersections should provide for pedestrian crossings timed at 3.5 feet/second (per recent MUTCD requirements). At signalized crossings 80 feet long or greater, or at unsignalized intersection crossings, pedestrian refuge islands should be installed as local conditions allow. In general, refuges should be installed in combination with corner curb bulb-outs (see Section 5.3.5). Because refuges are generally less costly to install, they are the first crossing improvement recommended if a construction budget is constrained. Refuges may or may not be located at signalized intersections; however, signals are strongly recommended for mid-block crossings and refuges.
Refuges should be a minimum 6 feet in width if a pedestrian signal control button is provided; without signal control the minimum should be 4 feet. A width of 8 feet or more is recommended to accommodate wheeled devices such as bicycles or strollers. Generally, signals should be timed to complete the entire crossing at 3.5 feet/second. A pedestrian control button can be installed on the refuge island only if the crossing is designed to be crossed in two stages. Figures 5-8a and 5-8b illustrate intersection and mid-block or median-obstructed refuge conditions.
