Case studies on high-speed roundabouts

Issues, Challenges, SolutionsAccessible Pedestrian Signals

AuthorsStephan Kellner, Eng., P.Eng., MSEric Dessureault, Eng.2

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Presentation outline3APS whats that soundHow APS are operatedHow APS are operated in QuebecTraffic signal timingsImpact on all usersEquipmentInstallationChallengesExamplesConclusion

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APS whats that sound4

System to aid visually impaired persons to identify a conflict zone and to cross an intersection

Use ofTactile surfacesAudible messagesBraille messagesVibrotactile messages

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APS whats that sound5

Traffic signal with

Pedestrian signalPedestrian wayfinding through pushbutton locatorPush buttonAudible messageLoudspeakerTactile surfaces

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How APS are operated6

Usually simultaneously with traffic signal (1)In Canada, usually without clearance interval (2)With pushbutton locatorWith audible informationIntegrated in pushbuttonWith external loudspeakerWith or without vibrotactile informationWith or without braille text

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How APS are operated in Quebec7Collaboration between DOT and Institut Nazareth & Louis-Braille (3,4)New soundCanada MelodyStart of WalkClearanceStandard for APSOperationsEquipment

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How APS are operated in Quebec8When APS? (3)Visually impaired persons usually cross by soundAPS is the exception when sounds do not provide acceptable guidanceWhen using APS to cross, elimination of all distractions necessaryCanada MelodyProvides different sounds for Walk and clearance intervalsAlternating sounds from both sides of crossingGuidance for alignmentGuidance for safe crossing behavior

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How APS are operated in Quebec9Standards have normative forceVolume V of the QC standards (4)No conflicting movementExternal speakersCanada MelodyDuring the entire duration of the pedestrian phase

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How APS are operated in Quebec10Major differences with the rest of North AmericaNo conflicting movementDuring entire duration of pedestrian phaseAlternating sound during the entire crossingNo vibrotactile informationNo text information

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Traffic signal timings11

Quebec: in order to eliminate conflicting movementsExclusive ped phase, orSpecial phase for APS, orExtended protected interval

ChallengesExclusive phase illegal ped movement during vehicular phaseSpecial phase timing, synchroExtended protected interval timing, comprehension

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Traffic signal timings12

Special phase or extended protected interval:Via programmed phasesLength of Walk fixedLimited options for phasingsVia PLCProgrammable logic controllerAdditional cost and equipment

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Impact on all users13Walk interval cannot be extended without PLCVehicular/bicycle movements restraintFalse sense of safety for all pedestriansPossibly different pedestrian phases at same intersection

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Equipment14PossibleIntegrated speakerExternal speakerVibrotactile plaqueBraille textVerbal messagesEssential Pedestrian signalPushbuttonPushbutton locating tonesSpecial message

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Equipment16PushbuttonLocating toneSpeaker (with interface)

Button interfacePLCCabling

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Installation17

Buttons and localisators close to crossing (1), (2)Speakers aligned with crossing (1), (2)Interface, PLC and cables

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Challenges18DesignPosition of polesbuttonslocatorsspeakersAPS often traffic signal retrofitsSignal timingsNumber of crossings (conflicting information)Inconsistent guidelines across North AmericaInstallation varies greatlyDifferent equipment

Challenges19Challenges for installation/retrofitsButtons without interfaceCables with less than 4 conductorsCables not properly connected in controllerTraffic signal not appropriately designedButtons not communicating with controllerIncompatible equipment (PLC, button, interface)QuebecLocatorExternal speakerButton with interfacePLC or special timing

Examples20

Montreal, QCProgrammed phasesAll-red protective interval, extended for APSCanada MelodyButton with interface and locatorSpecific cable

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Examples21

Moncton, NBAPS simultaneously with ped signalAudible message during Walk signal onlyButton with interface

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Examples22

Boisbriand, QCPed phaseSpeaker on mast armCanada MelodyButton with interface and locator

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Examples23

Laval, QCPed phaseButton with interface and locatorInterface retrofitCable retrofit

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Conclusion24

Unique approach: cooperation between governing body and user agencyStandard for APS different to MUTCDC

No conflicting movements: novel approach for APSImpact on operations and signal timingsImpact on equipment

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ReferencesAccessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practices. National Cooperative Highway Research Program. Washington, DC. 2010.Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada, Transportation Association of Canada. 2015 Critres daccessibilit universelle: dficience visuelle. Amnagements extrieurs. Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille. Longueuil, QC, 2014. Volume V: Traffic Control Signals. Transports Quebec. Quebec, QC, 2015.

Questions?26Stephan.Kellner@wspgroup.comEric.Dessureault@wspgroup.com