This section provides an overview of CSS. What it is and how it can help to shape transportation projects around the country. Feel free to browse through the topics below or search for a particular page by entering a keyword in the search box below or clicking on "Advanced Search."
Crosswalks are an essential element for a safe, continuous and comfortable pedestrian environment. Design decisions in CSS projects specifically deal with the crosswalk location (including at unsignalized or mid-block urban locations), materials to enhance their character and visibility, width, and relationship to crossing islands, curb extensions, and other pedestrian enhancements.
Article / Paper / Report
Life in the Crosswalk
Public service announcements, demonstration projects, and a university course are key components of a new FHWA push to improve pedestrian safety.
--
Federal Highway Administration
Article / Paper / Report
Methodology for Evaluating the Safety of Midblock Pedestrian Crossings
Spatial and temporal characteristics of midblock pedestrian crashes (MBPCs) were evaluated toward a better understanding of where and when the MBPCs occur. Existing databases related to traffic crashes were used. Other data used include traffic and geometric characteristics of the roadways under consideration as well as analyses of pedestrian and driver behaviors. Age, gender, light conditions, fatalities, and alcohol or drug use were correlated with the potential for the occurrence of MBPCs. The results indicate that there is a significantly lower potential for conflict if pedestrians cross at an intersection instead of crossing at a midblock location.
-- Zhenzhong Cui, Shashi S. Nambisan
Article / Paper / Report
Measuring Pedestrian Quality of Service for Midblock Street Crossings
"This paper offers a balanced approach [for determining pedestrian] level-of-service. Three types of measures [include] ... pedestrian delays, pedestrian safety, and crossing opportunities ... Pedestrian quality of service reflects not only the objective quality of service ... but also pedestrians' perceptions."
-- Xuehao Chu, Michael R. Baltes
Case Study
New York City, Mulry Square New York, NY
Sidewalk extensions, reconfigured crosswalks, and additional greening of the area have helped transform this intersection that was known for pedestrian accidents and high-speed turns. Sidewalk extensions were painted on the street in the short term and outlined with temporary bollards to test the impact of the recommendations on traffic flow. Once it was clear that the solutions worked, the project was built out in final form, with slate pavers, granite curbs, new crosswalks, landscaping, bollards, and changes in traffic light phasing. Capital construction was completed in 2001.
Case Study
Intersection: Abacoa, Florida Abacoa, FL
An intersection still awaiting some infill development, but well scaled with its surroundings.
Case Study
Washington, D.C.: Pennsylvania Ave. and 9th Street Washington, DC
Washington, DC, has many good intersections, with tight lanes and exceptional attention to details. This one features turn lanes for buses, but is pedestrian friendly.
Case Study
Washington, D.C.: Connecticut and K Washington, DC
Perhaps America's top-performing intersection, 6-lane Connecticut intersecting with true boulevard ("K") street.
Case Study
Intersection: Kirkland, Washington Kirkland, WA
Crosswalks enhance a vibrant shopping street and handle a steady flow of people and cars.
Case Study
Mid-block Crosswalks: East Lansing, MI East Lansing, MI
This mid-block crosswalk traverses a major five-lane boulevard. The 60-100 foot median has a great canopy for waiting pedestrians, with elaborate architectural features.
Case Study
Mid-block Crosswalks: Bellevue, WA Bellevue, WA
N.E. 8th St. is a busy five-lane transit corridor with staggered crossing islands at many transit stops.
Case Study
Intersection: Brighton, Michigan Brighton, MI
Large intersection with medians, pork chop islands. New design reduced crashes 60%.
Intersection: Holland, Michigan Holland, MI
This shopping street joins and crosses an arterial, and honors pedestrian movements.
Case Study
Intersection: Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu, HI
Honolulu has many intersections that use landscaping features to help control pedestrian movements.
Case Study
Crosswalks: Toucan Crossings, Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ
At these half-signal concept Toucan Crossings in Tucson, AZ, motorists stop for short periods to allow bicyclists and pedestrians highly efficient crossings. A pedestrian island, sometimes covered, forces cars to turn right, while allowing safe crossing for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Crosswalks: Half-signal Crossing, Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ
Tucson has the greatest variety of successful mid-block crossings in the nation. Pedestrian actuated half-signals allow pedestrians to cross each section of the street separately.
Case Study
San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
"...a vision for the rebirth of downtown San Bernardino, one that builds upon the steady progress of a revitalization effort already in the works and that directly responded to the needs the community revealed."
Mid-block Crosswalks: Bridgeport Way, University Place, WA University Place, WA
Bridgeport Way is a busy boulevard with a very thin median. Many of its crosswalks are signal controlled with high quality signs, markings and pavings, and lighting.
Case Study
Main Street: Northport, New York Northport, NY
Northport, New York is a quaint small town. Its Main Street has angled parking, shopping, cafes, and walkable sidewalks along mixed-use historic buildings.
Case Study
Mid-block Crosswalks: City Place, West Palm Beach, FL West Palm Beach, FL
City Place has one of the nation's most attractive crossings, with lots of pavers, palm trees and other architectural details. Chicanes on both sides of the road create a tropical island for crossing pedestrians.
Case Study
Mid-block Crosswalks: School Zone in Olympia, WA Olympia, WA
This school-zone crossing boasts a staggered, paved crosswalk through a nicely planted pedestrian island. Staggered crossings force pedestrians to look right and face traffic before crossing the second portion of the road.
