2018-195 Pedestrian Scramble Traffic SignalizationDate: December 28, 2018 Report No. 2018-195
Pedestrian Scramble Image
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Information on the “pedestrian scramble” traffic signalization and its potential application at
intersections in downtown Denton.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Due to the increased pedestrian traffic in the greater downtown area, staff has been asked to
provide information on unique solutions to improve traffic safety. One of the solutions that staff
has been asked is the pedestrian scramble, or exclusive pedestrian phase, traffic signalization. A
pedestrian scramble phase stops vehicular traffic in all directions and provides a protected time
period for pedestrians to cross an intersection in all directions. There are pros and cons for
implementing the pedestrian scramble phase at the square, which staff is currently researching.
BACKGROUND:
A pedestrian scramble is primarily used in downtown
settings where there is high pedestrian traffic. The
exclusive pedestrian phase stops all vehicular
movement and provides a protected phase for
pedestrians at an intersection. Pedestrians can cross in
any direction, including diagonally, as shown in the
image depicted to the right of this paragraph.
Below are the primary pros and cons of implementing
pedestrian scramble phase at the intersections on the
square.
Pros
Pedestrian safety is anticipated to increase due to the restricted vehicular movements for
each signal cycle.
Pedestrian scramble phase can be implemented without any upgrades to the existing
traffic signal equipment.
Cons
Increased vehicle delays and congestion as pedestrians will need additional time to cross
streets diagonally.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance - Visually impaired pedestrians may
have difficulty navigating diagonally through the intersection.
Longer vehicle queues due to longer wait times at signalized intersections.
Considerable impact on access to parking on the square caused by vehicles blocking
parking spaces located closer to traffic signals.
Date: December 28, 2018 Report No. 2018-195
Pedestrian infrastructure such as crosswalks, accessible ramps, signage, etc. will have to
be designed and constructed.
CONCLUSION:
Staff is currently reviewing several measures to improve pedestrian safety around the downtown
area including the square. The review will be completed by third week of January 2019, after
which staff will implement the recommended measures. Additionally, staff will be assessing the
feasibility of implementing the Pedestrian Scramble phase at the signalized intersections. Based
on the pros and cons discussed earlier, a Pedestrian Scramble phase may not be an appropriate
application in the downtown area.
STAFF CONTACT:
Pamela Alummoottil
Traffic Engineer
(940) 349-7486
Pamela.Alummoottil@cityofdenton.com