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112219 Press Release - All-Walk Crosswalk Pilot Project IOv FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DENTON Ryan Adams • (940) 349-8565 • Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com All-Walk Crosswalk Pilot Project Launches in Downtown Denton New Traffic Signal Operation Designed to Improve Pedestrian Safety on the Square DENTON, TX, Nov. 22, 2019-On Monday, Nov. 25, a pedestrian-only traffic phase known as an all-walk crosswalk will be implemented at four Downtown Denton intersections. A planned six-month pilot project will test the effectiveness of stopping all vehicular traffic when a walk signal is activated, allowing pedestrians to safely and simultaneously cross an intersection in any direction. Denton's first all-walk crosswalks are planned to be in effect through spring 2020 at all four intersections of the Downtown Square: Oak Street and Elm Street; Oak Street and Locust Street; Hickory Street and Locust Street; and Hickory Street and Elm Street. At the pilot's conclusion, the Denton City Council will consider whether a permanent operational change should be made. "By adding pedestrian-exclusive traffic phases in the heart of Denton, safety is expected to improve for all modes of transportation," said City Traffic Engineer Brian Jahn. All-walk crosswalks, also known as exclusive-pedestrian intersections, are designed to reduce or eliminate collisions between pedestrians and vehicles. When vehicles have a green light, pedestrians will be stopped. When vehicles have a red light and the walk button is pressed, pedestrians are permitted to cross, and vehicles are not allowed to make turns. The pilot project concept was presented to the Denton Main Street Association, Downtown Economic Development Committee of the Denton Chamber of Commerce, Committee on Persons with Disabilities, and the Denton Mobility Committee. All groups provided input and support for the pilot program. No-turn-on-red signage will be posted for the duration of the pilot program. Additional signage will be installed to alert pedestrians of the traffic signal operation change. On Nov. 25, City staff will be on site to monitor traffic flow and answer questions. See the attached document for answers to frequently asked questions. For more information or to share feedback about the pilot project, visit www.cilyofdenton.com/allwalk. Visit www.cityofdenton.com for more news and to stay updated. OUR CORE VALUES Integrity•Fiscal Responsibility•Transparency• Outstanding Customer Service ADA/EOE/ADEA www.cityofdenton.com TDD(800)735-2989 ALL-WALK CROSSWALK FAQS What is an all-walk crosswalk? How do I travel through an all-walk crosswalk in my An all-walk crosswalk is a traffic signal movement that vehicle? temporarily stops all vehicular traffic, thereby allowing When the traffic light is green at an all-walk crosswalk pedestrians to cross an intersection in every direction intersection, motorists are permitted to make left or right safely at the same time. turns, and travel straight through the intersection.When the traffic light is red at an all-walk crosswalk intersection, What intersections are currently all-walk crosswalks? motorists are prohibited from making any vehicular The all-walk crosswalk is currently only a pilot project at movements. the following intersections:W.Oak Street and N. Locust Can I make a right turn on red in my vehicle at an all- Street, W. Oak Street and N Elm Street, W. Hickory Street walk crosswalk? and N. Locust Street, and W. Hickory Street and N. Elm No.Vehicles are prohibited from making right turns at Street. an all-walk crosswalk intersection. How do I travel through an all-walk crosswalk as a Can I make a left turn on red in my vehicle at an all- pedestrian? walk crosswalk? When pedestrians approach an all-walk crosswalk, they No.Vehicles are prohibited from making left turns at must press the "walk"button to activate the exclusive an all-walk crosswalk intersection, even onto a one- pedestrian phase. Once the cross-signal prompts you to way street. do so, cross on the walk signal in any direction. Am I required to press the pedestrian crossing How do I travel through an all-walk crosswalk on my button to activate the exclusive pedestrian phase? bicycle? Yes.To activate the all-walk crosswalk phase, press If you approach one of these four intersections on a the "walk"button at the intersection and wait for the bicycle and you need to make a left turn,you have two walk prompt to appear and sound. options: What is the benefit of an all-walk crosswalk • Move into the appropriate lane to safely cross the intersection and turn left as a vehicle in the flow of intersection for motorists? traffic, or An all-walk crosswalk intersection is designed so • Dismount and walk your bike across the crosswalk as pedestrians can cross in any direction while the light a pedestrian. is red.This allows vehicles to make turns without You must not cycle through a crosswalk and you must delays from pedestrians in turn, reducing the risk of stop behind the white stop line. Being in front of the motorists injuring a pedestrian. white stop line is illegal, and can be dangerous,too. How I can provide feedback on the 6 month all- walk crosswalk pilot project? Visit www.cityofdenton.com/allwalk to share your feedback on the all-walk crosswalk pilot project. Ilk Ilk OP IMMM DENTON Produced by the City of Denton ADA/EOE/ADEA (800)735-2989 www.cityofdenton.com