Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practices (Workshop Edition 2010) (2011)

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Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 217 Appendix A: Current Guidelines Introduction For the convenience of the reader, this appendix contains excerpts from the MUTCD (current and proposed language) and Draft PROWAG concerning guidance on accessible pedestrian signals. The organization of this appendix is as follows: Document DAteD SectIonS IncluDeD In thIS APPenDIx StArtInG PAGe In thIS APPenDIx MUTCD 2003 November 2004 sections 4D.03, 4E.06, and 4E.09 218 Proposed Amendments to the MUTCD Relevant to APS January 2008 sections 4A.02, 4D.03, 4E.06, 4E.08, and 4E.09 225 Draft PROWAG November 23, 2005 Chapters R1 through R4 238

A- 218 Appendix A: Current Guidelines Excerpts from MUTCD — 2003 Edition with Revision No. 1 Incorporated, dated November 2004 SECTION 4D.03 PROVISIONS FOR PEDESTRIANS Support: Chapter 4E contains additional information regarding pedestrian signals. Standard: Th e design and operation of traffi c control signals shall take into consideration the needs of pedestrian as well as vehicular traffi c. If engineering judgment indicates the need for provisions for a given pedestrian movement, signal faces conveniently visible to pedestrians shall be provided by pedestrian signal heads or a signal face for an adjacent vehicular movement. Guidance: Safety considerations should include the installation, where appropriate, of accessible pedestrian signals (see Sections 4E.06 and 4E.09) that provide information in nonvisual format (such as audible tones, verbal messages, and/or vibrating surfaces). Where pedestrian movements regularly occur, pedestrians should be provided with suffi cient time to cross the roadway by adjusting the traffi c control signal operation and timing to provide suffi cient crossing time every cycle or by providing pedestrian detectors. Option: If it is desirable to prohibit certain pedestrian movements at a traffi c control signal, a PEDESTRIANS PROHIBITED (R9-3) or No Pedestrian Crossing (R9-3a) sign may be used (see Section 2B.44). SECTION 4E.06 ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS Support: Th e primary technique that pedestrians who have visual disabilities use to cross streets at signalized locations is to initiate their crossing when they hear the traffi c in front of them stop and the traffi c alongside them begin to move, corresponding to the onset of the green interval. Th is technique is eff ective at many signalized locations. Th e existing environment is often suffi cient to provide the information

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 219 that pedestrians who have visual disabilities need to operate reasonably safely at a signalized location. Th erefore, many signalized locations will not require any accessible pedestrian signals. Guidance: If a particular signalized location presents diffi culties for pedestrians who have visual disabilities to cross reasonably safely and eff ectively, an engineering study should be conducted that considers the safety and eff ectiveness for pedestrians in general, as well as the information needs of pedestrians with visual disabilities. Support: Th e factors that might make crossing at a signalized location diffi cult for pedestrians who have visual disabilities include: increasingly quiet cars, right turn on red (which masks the beginning of the through phase), continuous right-turn movements, complex signal operations, traffi c circles, and wide streets. Further, low traffi c volumes might make it diffi cult for pedestrians who have visual disabilities to discern signal phase changes. Local organizations, providing support services to pedestrians who have visual and/ or hearing disabilities, can often act as important advisors to the traffi c engineer when consideration is being given to the installation of devices to assist such pedestrians. Additionally, orientation and mobility specialists or similar staff also might be able to provide a wide range of advice. Th e U.S. Access Board’s Document A-37, “Accessible Pedestrian Signals,” provides various techniques for making pedestrian signal information available to persons with visual disabilities (see Addresses for the address for the U.S. Access Board). Accessible pedestrian signals provide information in nonvisual format (such as audible tones, verbal messages, and/or vibrating surfaces). Information regarding detectors for accessible pedestrian signals is found in Section 4E.09. Standard: When used, accessible pedestrian signals shall be used in combination with pedestrian signal timing. Th e information provided by an accessible pedestrian signal shall clearly indicate which pedestrian crossing is served by each device. Under stop-and-go operation, accessible pedestrian signals shall not be limited in operation by the time of day or day of week. Guidance: Th e installation of accessible pedestrian signals at signalized locations should be based on an engineering study, which should consider the following factors:

A- 220 Appendix A: Current Guidelines A. Potential demand for accessible pedestrian signals; B. A request for accessible pedestrian signals; C. Traffi c volumes during times when pedestrians might be present, including periods of low traffi c volumes or high turn-on-red volumes; D. Th e complexity of traffi c signal phasing; and E. Th e complexity of intersection geometry. Support: Technology that provides diff erent sounds for each nonconcurrent signal phase has frequently been found to provide ambiguous information. Standard: When choosing audible tones, possible extraneous sources of sounds (such as wind, rain, vehicle back-up warnings, or birds) shall be considered in order to eliminate potential confusion to pedestrians who have visual disabilities. Guidance: Audible pedestrian tones should be carefully selected to avoid misleading pedestrians who have visual disabilities when the following conditions exist: A. Where there is an island that allows unsignalized right turns across a crosswalk between the island and the sidewalk. B. Where multileg approaches or complex signal phasing require more than two pedestrian phases, such that it might be unclear which crosswalk is served by each audible tone. C. At intersections where a diagonal pedestrian crossing is allowed, or where one street receives a WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication simultaneously with another street. Standard: When accessible pedestrian signals have an audible tone(s), they shall have a tone for the walk interval. Th e audible tone(s) shall be audible from the beginning of the associated crosswalk. If the tone for the walk interval is similar to the pushbutton locator tone, the walk interval tone shall have a faster repetition rate than the associated pushbutton locator tone. Support: A pushbutton locator tone is a repeating sound that informs approaching pedestrians that they are required to push a button to actuate pedestrian timing, and that enables visually impaired pedestrians to locate the pushbutton (see Section 4E.09).

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 221 Guidance: Th e accessible walk signal tone should be no louder than the locator tone, except when there is optional activation to provide a louder signal tone for a single pedestrian phase. Automatic volume adjustment in response to ambient traffi c sound level should be provided up to a maximum volume of 89 dBA. Where automatic volume adjustment is used, tones should be no more than 5 dBA louder than ambient sound. Th e A-weighted sound pressure level should conform to the requirements of “ISO 1996-1:1982” and “ISO 1996-2:1987” (see Addresses for the address for the International Organization for Standards). Standard: When verbal messages are used to communicate the pedestrian interval, they shall provide a clear message that the walk interval is in eff ect, as well as to which crossing it applies. Th e verbal message that is provided at regular intervals throughout the timing of the walk interval shall be the term “walk sign,” which may be followed by the name of the street to be crossed. A verbal message is not required at times when the walk interval is not timing, but, if provided: A. It shall be the term “wait.” B. It need not be repeated for the entire time that the walk interval is not timing. Option: Accessible pedestrian signals that provide verbal messages may provide similar messages in languages other than English, if needed, except for the terms “walk sign” and “wait.” Support: A vibrotactile pedestrian device communicates information about pedestrian timing through a vibrating surface by touch. Standard: Vibrotactile pedestrian devices, where used, shall indicate that the walk interval is in eff ect, and for which direction it applies, through the use of a vibrating directional arrow or some other means. Guidance: When provided, vibrotactile pedestrian devices should be located next to, and on the same pole as, the pedestrian pushbutton, if any, and adjacent to the intended crosswalk.

A- 222 Appendix A: Current Guidelines SECTION 4E.09 ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL DETECTORS Standard: An accessible pedestrian signal detector shall be defi ned as a device designated to assist the pedestrian who has visual or physical disabilities in activating the pedestrian phase. At accessible pedestrian signal locations with pedestrian actuation, each pushbutton shall activate both the walk interval and the accessible pedestrian signals. Option: Accessible pedestrian signal detectors may be pushbuttons or passive detection devices. Pushbutton locator tones may be used with accessible pedestrian signals. Guidance: At accessible pedestrian signal locations, pushbuttons should clearly indicate which crosswalk signal is actuated by each pushbutton. Pushbuttons and tactile arrows should have high visual contrast as described in the “Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)” (see Section 1A.11). Tactile arrows should point in the same direction as the associated crosswalk. At corners of signalized locations with accessible pedestrian signals where two pedestrian pushbuttons are provided, the pushbuttons should be separated by a distance of at least 3 m (10 ft). Th is enables pedestrians who have visual disabilities to distinguish and locate the appropriate pushbutton. Pushbuttons for accessible pedestrian signals should be located (see Figure 4E-2) as follows: A. Adjacent to a level all-weather surface to provide access from a wheelchair, and where there is an all-weather surface, wheelchair accessible route to the ramp; B. Within 1.5 m (5 ft) of the crosswalk extended; C. Within 3 m (10 ft) of the edge of the curb, shoulder, or pavement; and D. Parallel to the crosswalk to be used. If the pedestrian clearance time is suffi cient only to cross from the curb or shoulder to a median of suffi cient width for pedestrians to wait and accessible pedestrian detectors are used, an additional accessible pedestrian detector should be provided in the median. Standard: When used, pushbutton locator tones shall be easily locatable, shall have a duration of 0.15 seconds or less, and shall repeat at 1-second intervals.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 223 Guidance: Pushbuttons should be audibly locatable. Pushbutton locator tones should be intensity responsive to ambient sound, and be audible 1.8 to 3.7 m (6 to 12 ft) from the pushbutton, or to the building line, whichever is less. Pushbutton locator tones should be no more than 5 dBA louder than ambient sound. Figure 4E-2 Recommended Pushbutton Locations for Accessible Pedestrian Signals

A- 224 Appendix A: Current Guidelines Pushbutton locator tones should be deactivated during fl ashing operation of the traffi c control signal. Option: At locations with pretimed traffi c control signals or nonactuated approaches, pedestrian pushbuttons may be used to activate the accessible pedestrian signals. Th e audible tone(s) may be made louder (up to a maximum of 89 dBA) by holding down the pushbutton for a minimum of 3 seconds. Th e louder audible tone(s) may also alternate back and forth across the crosswalk, thus providing optimal directional information. Th e name of the street to be crossed may also be provided in accessible format, such as Braille or raised print.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 225 Proposed Amendments to the MUTCD Relevant to APS On January 2, 2008, the Federal Highway Administration published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) to the MUTCD. Th is NPA contains comprehensive revisions that are proposed for incorporation into the next edition of the MUTCD. A 7-month period was provided for comments to the docket, which closed on July 31, 2008. Th e FHWA is currently [at the time of this publication] reviewing and analyzing the comments received. A Final Rule for the next edition of the MUTCD is anticipated during 2009. Th e sections shown below are taken from the proposed MUTCD text and are the relevant sections for Accessible Pedestrian Signals. SECTION 4A.02 DEFINITIONS RELATING TO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SIGNALS (PARTIAL) Standard: Th e following technical terms, when used in Part 4, shall be defi ned as follows: 1. Accessible Pedestrian Signal — a device that communicates information about pedestrian timing in nonvisual format such as audible tones, speech messages, and/or vibrating surfaces. SECTION 4D.03 PROVISIONS FOR PEDESTRIANS Support: Chapter 4E contains additional information regarding pedestrian signals and Chapter 4F contains additional information regarding pedestrian hybrid signals. Standard: Th e design and operation of traffi c control signals shall take into consideration the needs of pedestrian as well as vehicular traffi c. If engineering judgment indicates the need for provisions for a given pedestrian movement, signal faces conveniently visible to pedestrians shall be provided by pedestrian signal heads (see Chapter 4E) or a vehicular signal face(s) for a concurrent vehicular movement.

A- 226 Appendix A: Current Guidelines Guidance: Accessible pedestrian signals (see Sections 4E.06 and 4E.09) that provide information in nonvisual formats (such as audible tones, speech messages, and/ or vibrating surfaces) should be provided where determined appropriate by engineering judgment. Where pedestrian movements regularly occur, pedestrians should be provided with suffi cient time to cross the roadway by adjusting the traffi c control signal operation and timing to provide suffi cient crossing time every cycle or by providing pedestrian detectors. If it is necessary or desirable to prohibit certain pedestrian movements at a traffi c control signal location, No Pedestrian Crossing (R9-3) signs (see Section 2B.58) should be used if the pedestrian movements are not physically prevented by barriers or other physical features. SECTION 4E.06 ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS Support: Th e primary technique that pedestrians who have visual disabilities use to cross streets at signalized locations is to initiate their crossing when they hear the traffi c in front of them stop and the traffi c alongside them begin to move, which often corresponds to the onset of the green interval. Th e existing environment is often not suffi cient to provide the information that pedestrians who have visual disabilities need to cross a roadway at a signalized location. Guidance: If a particular signalized location presents diffi culties for pedestrians who have visual disabilities to cross the roadway, an engineering study should be conducted that considers the needs of pedestrians in general, as well as the information needs of pedestrians with visual disabilities. Th e engineering study should consider the following factors: A. Potential demand for accessible pedestrian signals; B. A request for accessible pedestrian signals; C. Traffi c volumes during times when pedestrians might be present, including periods of low traffi c volumes or high turn-on-red volumes; D. Th e complexity of traffi c signal phasing (such as split phases, protected turn phases, leading pedestrian intervals, and exclusive pedestrian phases); and E. Th e complexity of intersection geometry.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 227 Support: Th e factors that make crossing at a signalized location diffi cult for pedestrians who have visual disabilities include: increasingly quiet cars, right turn on red (which masks the beginning of the through phase), continuous right-turn movements, complex signal operations, traffi c circles, and wide streets. Furthermore, low traffi c volumes might make it diffi cult for pedestrians who have visual disabilities to discern signal phase changes. Local organizations, providing support services to pedestrians who have visual and/or hearing disabilities, can often act as important advisors to the traffi c engineer when consideration is being given to the installation of devices to assist such pedestrians. Additionally, orientation and mobility specialists or similar staff also might be able to provide a wide range of advice. Th e U.S. Access Board (www.access-board.gov) provides various techniques for making pedestrian signal information available to persons with visual disabilities (see Page i for the address for the U.S. Access Board). Accessible pedestrian signals provide information in nonvisual format (such as audible tones, speech messages, and/or vibrating surfaces). Information regarding detectors for accessible pedestrian signals is found in Section 4E.09. Standard: When used, accessible pedestrian signals shall be used in combination with pedestrian signal timing. Th e information provided by an accessible pedestrian signal shall clearly indicate which pedestrian crossing is served by each device. Under stop-and-go operation, accessible pedestrian signals shall not be limited in operation by the time of day or day of week. Support: Accessible pedestrian signals that are located as close as possible to pedestrians waiting to cross the street provide the clearest and least ambiguous indication of which pedestrian crossing is served by a device. Technology that provides diff erent sounds for each nonconcurrent signal phase has frequently been found to provide ambiguous information. Research indicates that a rapid tick tone for each crossing on separated poles located close to each crosswalk provides unambiguous information to pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired. Vibrotactile indications provide information to pedestrians who are blind and deaf and are also used by pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision to confi rm the walk signal in noisy situations.

A- 228 Appendix A: Current Guidelines Standard: Accessible pedestrian signals shall have both audible and vibrotactile walk indications. Accessible pedestrian signals shall have an audible walk indication during the walk interval only. Th e audible tone(s) shall be audible from the beginning of the associated crosswalk. Accessible pedestrian signals shall not provide an audible pedestrian change interval indication. Audible walk indications shall be a percussive tone. Audible tone walk indications shall repeat at 8 to 10 ticks per second. Audible tones used as walk indications shall consist of multiple frequencies with a dominant component at 880 Hz. Vibrotactile walk indications shall be provided by a tactile arrow on the pushbutton that vibrates during the walk interval (see Section 4E.09). Guidance: Th e sound level of audible pedestrian indications should be adjusted to be low enough to avoid misleading pedestrians who have visual disabilities when the following conditions exist: A. Where there is an island that allows unsignalized right turns across a crosswalk between the island and the sidewalk. B. Where multileg approaches or complex signal phasing require more than two pedestrian phases, such that it might be unclear which crosswalk is served by each audible tone. C. At intersections where a diagonal pedestrian crossing is allowed, or where one street receives a WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication simultaneously with another street. Support: A pushbutton locator tone is a repeating sound that informs approaching pedestrians that a pushbutton to actuate pedestrian timing or receive additional information exists, and that enables pedestrians who have visual disabilities to locate the pushbutton (see Section 4E.09). Standard: Tones shall be set to be no more than 5 dBA louder than ambient sound except when a louder signal is provided in response to an extended button press. Automatic volume adjustment in response to ambient traffi c sound level shall be provided up to a maximum volume of 100 dBA.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 229 Th e accessible walk signal shall have the same duration as the pedestrian walk signal except when the pedestrian signal rests in walk. Guidance: If the pedestrian signal rests in walk, the accessible walk signal should be limited to the fi rst 7 seconds of the walk interval. Th e accessible walk signal should be recalled by a button press during the walk interval provided that the crossing time remaining is greater than the pedestrian change interval. Option: An alert tone, which is a very brief burst of high-frequency sound at the beginning of the audible walk indication that rapidly decays to the frequency of the walk tone, may be used to alert pedestrians to the beginning of the walk interval. An alert tone may be particularly useful if the walk tone is not easily audible in some traffi c conditions. Support: Speech messages communicate to pedestrians which street has the walk interval. Speech messages might be either directly audible or transmitted, requiring a personal receiver to hear the message. To be a useful system, the words and their meaning must be correctly understood by all users in the context of the street environment where they are used. Because of this, tones are the preferred means of providing audible walk indications. If speech messages are used, pedestrians have to know the names of the streets that they are crossing in order for the speech walk messages to be unambiguous. In getting directions to travel to a new location, pedestrians who are blind do not always get the name of each street to be crossed. Th erefore, it is desirable to give users of accessible pedestrian signals the name of the street controlled by the pushbutton. Th is can be done by means of a speech pushbutton information message during the fl ashing or steady don’t walk intervals, or by raised print and Braille labels on the pushbutton housing. By combining the information from the pushbutton message or Braille label, the tactile arrow aligned in the direction of travel on the relevant crosswalk, and the speech walk message, pedestrians with visual disabilities are able to correctly respond to speech walk messages even if there are two pushbuttons on the same pole. Standard: If speech messages are used to communicate the pedestrian interval, they shall provide a clear message that the walk interval is in eff ect, as well as to which crossing it applies. Speech walk messages shall be used only at intersections where it is technically infeasible to install two accessible pedestrian signals at one corner separated by a distance of at least 3 m (10 ft).

A- 230 Appendix A: Current Guidelines Speech messages that are used at intersections having pedestrian phasing that is concurrent with vehicular phasing shall be patterned after the model: “Broadway. Walk sign is on to cross Broadway.” Speech messages that are used at intersections having exclusive pedestrian phasing shall be patterned after the model: “Walk sign is on for all crossings.” Walk interval messages shall not contain any additional information, except they shall include designations such as “Street” or “Avenue” where this information is necessary to avoid ambiguity at a particular location. Guidance: Speech messages should not state or imply a command to the pedestrian, such as “Cross Broadway now.” Speech messages should not tell pedestrians that it is “safe to cross,” because it is always the pedestrian’s responsibility to check actual traffi c conditions. Standard: A speech message is not required at times when the walk interval is not timing, but, if provided: A. A. It shall begin with the term “wait.” B. B. It need not be repeated for the entire time that the walk interval is not timing. Support: Section 4E.09 contains additional information regarding speech pushbutton information messages when the walk interval is not timing. Option: Accessible pedestrian signals that provide speech messages may provide similar messages in languages other than English, if needed, except for the terms “walk sign” and “wait.” Pedestrians may be provided with additional features such as increased crossing time, audible beaconing, or a pushbutton information message as a result of an extended pushbutton press. Standard: If an extended pushbutton press is used to provide any additional feature(s), a pushbutton press of less than one second shall actuate only the pedestrian timing and any associated accessible walk signal, and a pushbutton press of one second or

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 231 more shall actuate the pedestrian timing, any associated accessible walk signal, and any additional feature(s). Support: Audible beaconing is the use of an audible signal in such a way that blind pedestrians can home in on the signal from the target corner as they cross the street. Not all crosswalks at an intersection need audible beaconing; audible beaconing can actually cause confusion if used at all crosswalks at some intersections. Audible beaconing is not appropriate at locations with channelized turns or split phasing, because of the possibility of confusion. Guidance: Audible beaconing should only be considered following an engineering study at: A. Crosswalks longer than 21 m (70 ft), unless they are divided by a median that has another accessible pedestrian signal with a locator tone; B. Crosswalks that are skewed; C. Intersections with irregular geometry, such as multiple legs; D. Crosswalks where audible beaconing is requested by an individual with visual disabilities; or E. Other locations where a study indicates audible beaconing would be benefi cial. Option: Audible beaconing may be provided in several ways, any of which are initiated by an extended pushbutton press. Standard: If audible beaconing is used, the volume of the locator tone during the pedestrian change interval of the called pedestrian phase shall be increased and operated in one of the following ways: A. Th e louder audible walk indication and louder locator tone comes from the target corner, as pedestrians cross the street, B. Th e louder locator tone comes from both ends of the crosswalk, or C. The louder locator tone comes from an additional speaker that is aimed at the center of the crosswalk and that is mounted on a pedestrian signal head.

A- 232 Appendix A: Current Guidelines SECTION 4E.08 PEDESTRIAN DETECTORS Option: Pedestrian detectors may be pushbuttons or passive detection devices. Support: Th e provisions in this Section place pedestrian pushbuttons within easy reach of pedestrians who are intending to cross each crosswalk and make it obvious which pushbutton is associated with each crosswalk. Th ese provisions also position pushbutton poles in optimal locations for installation of accessible pedestrian signals. Information regarding reach ranges can be found in the “Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)” (see Section 1A.11). Standard: If pedestrian pushbuttons are used, they shall be capable of easy activation and conveniently located near each end of the crosswalks. Except as noted in the Guidance below, pedestrian pushbuttons shall be located to meet all of the following criteria (see Figure 4E-2): A. Unobstructed and adjacent to a level all-weather surface to provide access from a wheelchair; B. Where there is an all-weather surface, a wheelchair accessible route from the pushbutton to the ramp; C. Between the edge of the crosswalk line (extended) farthest from the center of the intersection and the side of a curb ramp (if present), but not greater than 1.5 m (5 ft) from said crosswalk line; D. Between 0.45 m (1.5 ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft) from the edge of the curb, shoulder, or pavement; E. With the face of the pushbutton parallel to the crosswalk to be used; and F. At a maximum mounting height of 1.2 m (4 ft) above the sidewalk. Guidance: Where there are constraints that make it impractical to place the pedestrian pushbutton adjacent to a level all-weather surface, the surface should be as level as feasible. Where there are constraints that make it impractical to place the pedestrian pushbutton between 0.45 m (1.5 ft) and 1.8 m (6 ft) from the edge of the curb, shoulder, or pavement, it should not be farther than 3 m (10 ft) from the edge of curb, shoulder, or pavement. A mounting height of approximately 1.1 m (3.5 ft) above the sidewalk should be used for pedestrian pushbuttons.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 233 Except as noted in the Option below, where two pedestrian pushbuttons are provided on the same corner of a signalized location, the pushbuttons should be separated by a distance of at least 3 m (10 ft) (see Figure 4E-2). Option: Where there are constraints on a particular corner that make it impractical to provide the 3 m (10 ft) separation between the two pedestrian pushbuttons, the pushbuttons may be placed closer together or on the same pole. Support: Figure 4E-3 shows typical pushbutton locations for a variety of situations. Standard: If two accessible pedestrian pushbuttons are placed on the same pole, the accessible 1 pedestrian pushbuttons shall be provided with the features described in Section 4E.09 for this situation. Signs (see Section 2B.59) shall be mounted adjacent to or integral with pedestrian pushbuttons, explaining their purpose and use. Option: At certain locations, a supplemental sign in a more visible location may be used to call attention to the pedestrian pushbutton. Standard: Th e positioning of pedestrian pushbuttons and the legends on the pedestrian pushbutton signs shall clearly indicate which crosswalk signal is actuated by each pedestrian pushbutton. If the pedestrian clearance time is suffi cient only to cross from the curb or shoulder to a median of suffi cient width for pedestrians to wait and the signals are pedestrian actuated, an additional pedestrian detector shall be provided in the median. Guidance: Th e use of additional pedestrian detectors on islands or medians where a pedestrian might become stranded should be considered. If used, special purpose pushbuttons (to be operated only by authorized persons) should include a housing capable of being locked to prevent access by the general public and do not need an instructional sign.

A- 234 Appendix A: Current Guidelines Standard: If used, a pilot light or other means of indication installed with a pedestrian pushbutton shall not be illuminated until actuation. Once it is actuated, the pilot light shall remain illuminated until the pedestrian’s green or WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication is displayed. If a pilot light is used at an accessible pedestrian signal location, each actuation shall be accompanied by the speech message “wait.” Option: At signalized locations with a demonstrated need and subject to equipment capabilities, pedestrians with special needs may be provided with additional crossing time by means of an extended pushbutton press. Standard: If additional crossing time is provided by means of an extended pushbutton press, a FOR MORE CROSSING TIME: HOLD BUTTON DOWN FOR 2 SECONDS (R10-32P) plaque (see Figure 2B-29) shall be mounted adjacent to or integral with the pedestrian pushbutton. SECTION 4E.09 ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL DETECTORS Standard: An accessible pedestrian signal detector shall be defi ned as a device designated to assist the pedestrian who has visual or physical disabilities in activating the pedestrian phase. Option: Accessible pedestrian signal detectors may be pushbuttons or passive detection devices. Standard: At accessible pedestrian signal locations where pedestrian pushbuttons are used, each pushbutton shall activate both the walk interval and the accessible pedestrian signals. An accessible pedestrian pushbutton shall incorporate a locator tone. Pushbutton locator tones shall have a duration of 0.15 seconds or less and shall repeat at 1-second intervals.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 235 Pushbutton locator tones shall be intensity responsive to ambient sound, and be audible 1.8 to 3.7 m (6 to 12 ft) from the pushbutton, or to the building line, whichever is less. Pushbutton locator tones shall be no more than 5 dBA louder than ambient sound. Pushbutton locator tones shall be deactivated when the traffi c control signal is operating in a fl ashing mode. To enable pedestrians who have visual disabilities to distinguish and locate the appropriate pushbutton at an accessible pedestrian signal location, pushbuttons shall clearly indicate by means of tactile arrows which crosswalk signal is actuated by each pushbutton. Tactile arrows shall be located on the pushbutton, have high visual contrast (light on dark or dark on light), and shall be aligned parallel to the direction of travel on the associated crosswalk. Guidance: Pushbuttons for accessible pedestrian signals should be located as close as possible to the crosswalk line furthest from the center of the intersection and as close as possible to the curb ramp. Except as noted in the Option below, where two accessible pedestrian pushbuttons are provided, the pushbuttons should be separated by a distance of at least 3 m (10 ft) such that they clearly indicate which crosswalk has the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) indication. Option: Where there are constraints on a particular corner that make it impractical to provide the 3 m (10 ft) of separation between the two accessible pedestrian pushbuttons, the pushbuttons may be placed closer together or on the same pole. Standard: If two accessible pedestrian pushbuttons are placed on the same pole, each accessible pedestrian pushbutton shall be provided with the following features: A. A pushbutton locator tone, B. A tactile arrow, C. A speech walk message for the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) indication (see Section 4E.06), and D. A speech pushbutton information message. If the pedestrian clearance time is suffi cient only to cross from the curb or shoulder to a median of suffi cient width for pedestrians to wait and accessible

A- 236 Appendix A: Current Guidelines pedestrian detectors are used, an additional accessible pedestrian detector shall be provided in the median. Option: At locations with pretimed traffi c control signals or nonactuated approaches, pedestrian pushbuttons may be used to activate the accessible pedestrian signals. Additional features may be provided for pedestrians such as additional crossing time, audible beaconing, or a speech pushbutton information message as a result of an extended pushbutton press. Standard: If an extended pushbutton press is used to provide any additional feature(s), a pushbutton press of less than one second shall actuate only the pedestrian timing and any associated accessible walk interval, and a pushbutton press of one second or more shall actuate the pedestrian timing, any associated accessible walk interval, and any additional feature(s). If additional crossing time is provided by means of an extended pushbutton press, a FOR MORE CROSSING TIME: HOLD BUTTON DOWN FOR 2 SECONDS (R10-32P) plaque (see Figure 2B-29) shall be mounted adjacent to or integral with the pedestrian pushbutton. Option: Th e name of the street to be crossed may also be provided in accessible format, such as Braille or raised print. Support: Specifi cations regarding the use of Braille or raised print for traffi c control devices can be found in the “Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)” (see Section 1A.11). Option: Tactile maps of crosswalks may be provided. Speech pushbutton information messages may be made available by actuating the accessible pedestrian signal detector when the walk interval is not timing. Th ese messages may provide intersection identifi cation, as well as information about unusual intersection signalization and geometry, such as notifi cation regarding exclusive pedestrian phasing, leading pedestrian intervals, split phasing, diagonal crosswalks, and medians or islands.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 237 Standard: If speech pushbutton information messages are made available by actuating the accessible pedestrian signal detector, they shall only be actuated when the walk interval is not timing. Th ey shall begin with the term “Wait,” followed by intersection identifi cation information modeled after: “Wait to cross Broadway at Grand.” If information on intersection signalization or geometry is also given, it shall follow the intersection identifi cation information. Guidance: Speech pushbutton information messages should not be used to provide landmark information or to inform pedestrians with visual impairments about detours or temporary traffi c control situations. Support: Additional information on structure and wording of pushbutton messages is included in ITE’s “Electronic Toolbox for Making Intersections More Accessible for Pedestrians Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired,” which is available at ITE’s website (see Page i).

A- 238 Appendix A: Current Guidelines Excerpts from Draft Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (Draft PROWAG) November 23, 2005 Updates are expected. Please check www.access-board.gov for latest information. Sections on Accessible Pedestrian Signals CHAPTER R1: APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION R101 Purpose R101.1 General. Th is document contains scoping and technical requirements for accessibility to facilities for pedestrian circulation and use located in the public right-of-way. Advisory notes are for informational purposes only. Th ese requirements are to be applied during the design, construction, additions to, and alterations of facilities in the public right-of-way to the extent required by regulations issued by Federal agencies. Advisory R101.1 General. Access requirements are also addressed in the Manual on Uniform Traffi c Control Devices (MUTCD), FHWA/US DOT, 2003 (http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov). MUTCD is a reference standard in this guideline. Key transportation industry guidance documents also address accessibility in the public right-of-way and can provide useful information on design and construction. Th ey include ‘Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities’, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Offi cials, July 2004 (www.aashto. org) and ‘Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access’, FHWA/US DOT September 2001 (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sidewalk2/index.htm). R101.2 Eff ect on Existing Facilities. Th is document does not address existing facilities unless they are included in the scope of an alteration undertaken at the discretion of a covered entity. Th e U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Transportation have issued and enforce separate regulations for existing facilities subject to their requirements for program accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Advisory R101.2 Eff ect on Existing Facilities. Th e U.S. Department of Justice ADA regulations require that the usability of accessible features be maintained (28 CFR §35.133 and §36.211). Federal agencies and entities receiving federal funds may also have an obligation for program accessibility under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. For example, state departments of transportation that receive Federal-aid Highway funds must comply with program accessibility requirements issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation at 49 CFR part 27.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 239 R102 Equivalent Facilitation Nothing in these requirements prevents the use of designs, products, or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, provided they result in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability. R103 Conventions R103.1 Dimensions. Dimensions that are not stated as “maximum” or “minimum” are absolute. R103.1.1 Construction and Manufacturing Tolerances. All dimensions are subject to conventional industry tolerances except where the requirement is stated as a range with specifi c minimum and maximum end points. Advisory R103.1.1 Construction and Manufacturing Tolerances. Conventional industry tolerances recognized by this provision include those for fi eld conditions and those that may be a necessary consequence of a particular manufacturing process. Recognized tolerances are not intended to apply to design work. Information on specifi c tolerances may be available from industry or trade organizations, code groups and building offi cials, and published references. [Sections R103.2 – R103.4 not included] R104 Referenced Guidelines and Standards R104.1 General. Th e guidelines and standards listed in R104.2 are incorporated by reference in this document and are part of the requirements to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Th e Director of the Federal Register has approved these guidelines and standards for incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of the referenced guidelines and standards may be inspected at the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004; at the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section, 1425 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; at the Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Room 10424, Washington DC; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. R104.2 Referenced Guidelines and Standards. Th e specifi c edition of the guidelines and standards listed below are referenced in this document. Where diff erences occur between this document and the reference, this document applies. R104.2.1 MUTCD. Manual on Uniform Traffi c Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), 2003 edition. Copies of the referenced standard may be obtained on-line from the Federal Highway Administration at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov. (see R205 and R302.4). [Sections 104.2.2 – 104.2.3 not included]

A- 240 Appendix A: Current Guidelines R105 Defi nitions R105.1 General. For the purpose of this document, the terms defi ned in R105.5 have the indicated meaning. R105.2 Terms Defi ned in Referenced Guidelines and Standards. Terms not defi ned in R105.5 or in regulations issued by Federal agencies, but specifi cally defi ned in a referenced guideline or standard, shall have the specifi ed meaning from the referenced guideline or standard unless otherwise stated. R105.3 Undefi ned Terms. Th e meaning of terms not specifi cally defi ned in R105.5 or in regulations issued by Federal agencies or in referenced guidelines and standards shall be as defi ned by collegiate dictionaries in the sense that the context implies. R105.4 Interchangeability. Words, terms and phrases used in the singular include the plural and those used in the plural include the singular. R105.5 Defi ned Terms. Accessible. Describes a facility in the public right-of-way that complies with this part. Accessible Pedestrian Signal. A device that communicates information about the WALK phase in audible and vibrotactile formats. [Rest of Section 105.5 not included] CHAPTER R2: SCOPING REQUIREMENTS R201 Application R201.1 Scope. All newly designed and newly constructed facilities located in the public right-of-way shall comply with these requirements. All altered portions of existing facilities located in the public right-of-way shall comply with these requirements to the maximum extent feasible. Advisory R201.1 Scope. Th is document (see R101.1General) covers facilities for pedestrian circulation and use in the right-of-way. Examples of facilities include, but are not limited to, walkways and sidewalks, street or highway shoulders where pedestrians are not prohibited, crosswalks, islands and medians, overpasses and underpasses, on- street parking spaces and loading zones, and equipment, signals, signs, street furniture, and other appurtenances provided for pedestrians. Examples of facilities not included are manholes and utility vaults. Th ese requirements are to be applied to all areas of a facility within the scope or limits of the planned project unless expressly exempted or limited with respect to the number of multiple elements required to be accessible. For example, not all benches are required to be accessible; those that are not required to be accessible are not required to comply with these requirements or to be served by a pedestrian access route.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 241 R201.2 Temporary and Permanent Facilities. Th ese requirements shall apply to temporary and permanent facilities. Advisory R201.2 Temporary and Permanent Facilities. Temporary facilities covered by these requirements include, but are not limited to, temporary routes around work zones, portable toilets in the public right-of-way, sidewalk vending facilities, street fair booths, performance stages and reviewing stands, and the pedestrian access routes that serve them. As permitted in R203.1.1, structures and equipment directly associated with the actual processes of construction are not required to be accessible. [rest of 201.2 advisory and section 201.3 not included] R202 Alterations and Additions to Existing Facilities R202.1 General. Additions and alterations to existing facilities shall comply with R202. Advisory R202.1 General. Alterations include, but are not limited to, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, historic restoration, resurfacing of circulation paths or vehicular ways, or changes or rearrangement of structural parts or elements of a facility. [Rest of sections R202 – R207 not included] R208 Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) Where pedestrian signals are provided at pedestrian street crossings, they shall comply with R306. [Sections R209 – R222 not included] CHAPTER R3: TECHNICAL PROVISIONS [Sections R301 – R305 not included] R306 Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) R306.1 General. Pedestrian signals shall comply with R306. R306.2 Pedestrian Signals. Each crosswalk with pedestrian signal indication shall have an accessible pedestrian signal which includes audible and vibrotactile indications of the WALK interval. Where a pedestrian pushbutton is provided, it shall be integrated into the accessible pedestrian signal and shall comply with R306.2. Advisory R306.2 Pedestrian Signals. Signals should generally sound and vibrate throughout the WALK interval. Where signals rest in WALK, audible operation may be limited to a repetition at short intervals rather than continuous sounding for several minutes. R306.2.1 Location. Accessible pedestrian signals shall be located so that the vibrotactile feature can be contacted from the level landing serving a curb ramp, if provided, or from a clear fl oor or ground space that is in line with the crosswalk line adjacent to the vehicle stop line.

A- 242 Appendix A: Current Guidelines R306.2.1.1 Crossings. Accessible pedestrian signal devices shall be 3.0 m (10.0 ft) minimum from other accessible pedestrian signals at a crossing. Th e control face of the accessible pedestrian signal shall be installed to face the intersection and be parallel to the direction of the crosswalk it serves. R306.2.1.2 Medians and Islands. Accessible pedestrian signals located in medians and islands shall be 1.5 m (5.0 ft) minimum from other accessible pedestrian signals. R306.2.2 Reach and Clear Floor or Ground Space. Accessible pedestrian pushbuttons shall be located within a reach range complying with R404. A clear fl oor or ground space complying with R402 shall be provided at the pushbutton and shall connect to or overlap the pedestrian access route. R306.2.3 Audible Walk Indication. Th e audible indication of the WALK interval shall be by tone or speech message. R306.2.3.1 Tones. Tones shall consist of multiple frequencies with a dominant component at 880 Hz. Th e duration of the tone shall be 0.15 s and shall repeat at intervals of 0.15 s. Advisory R306.2.3.1 Tones. Many new accessible pedestrian signal installations in the US use speech messages, which are perceived as being more user-friendly than tones. However, such messages may not be intelligible under high-ambient-noise conditions or to non-English speakers. Electronic tones are more universal and unambiguous. Section 4E.06 of the MUTCD specifi es content of speech messages. R306.2.3.2 Volume. Tone or voice volume measured at 92 cm (3.0 ft) from the pedestrian signal device shall be 2 dB minimum and 5 dB maximum above ambient noise level in standard operation and shall be responsive to ambient noise level changes. Advisory R306.2.3.2 Volume. Where additional volume or beaconing features are available on pedestrian activation, they will momentarily exceed volume limits. R306.3 Pedestrian Pushbuttons. Pedestrian pushbuttons shall comply with R306.3. R306.3.1 Operation. Pedestrian pushbuttons shall comply with R405.4. R306.3.2 Pushbutton Locator Tone. Pedestrian pushbuttons shall incorporate a locator tone at the pushbutton. Pushbutton locator tone volume measured at 92 cm (3.0 ft) from the pushbutton shall be 2 dB minimum and 5 dB maximum above ambient noise level and shall be responsive to ambient noise level changes. Th e duration of the locator tone shall be 0.15 s maximum and shall repeat at intervals of one second. Th e locator tone shall operate during the DON’T WALK and fl ashing DON’T WALK intervals only and shall be deactivated when the pedestrian signal is not operative. R306.3.3 Size and Contrast. Pedestrian pushbuttons shall be a minimum of 0.5 cm (2 in) across in one dimension and shall contrast visually with their housing or mounting.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 243 R306.3.4 Optional Features. An extended button press shall be permitted to activate additional features. Buttons that provide additional features shall be marked with three braille dots forming an equilateral triangle in the center of the pushbutton. R306.4 Directional Information and Signs. Pedestrian signal devices shall provide tactile and visual signs complying with 306.4 on the face of the device or its housing or mounting to indicate crosswalk direction and the name of the street containing the crosswalk served by the pedestrian signal. R306.4.1 Arrow. Signs shall include a tactile arrow aligned parallel to the crosswalk direction. Th e arrow shall be raised 0.8 mm (.03 inch) minimum and shall be 4 mm (1.5 in) minimum in length. Th e arrowhead shall be open at 45 degrees to the shaft and shall be 33 percent of the length of the shaft. Stroke width shall be 10 percent minimum and 15 percent maximum of arrow length. Th e arrow shall contrast with the background. R306.4.2 Street Name. Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) shall include street name information aligned parallel to the crosswalk direction and shall comply with R409.3 or shall provide street name information in audible format. R306.4.3 Crosswalk Confi guration. Where provided, graphic indication of crosswalk confi guration shall be tactile. [Sections R307 – R309 not included] Sections referenced in R306.2.2 Reach and Clear Floor or Ground Space: R402 Clear Space R402.1 General. Clear space at accessible pedestrian signals (APS), street furniture, and operable parts shall comply with R402. R402.2 Surface Characteristics. Surfaces of clear spaces shall comply with R301.5 and shall have a slope and cross slope of 2 percent maximum. R402.3 Size. The clear space shall be 760 mm (30 in) minimum by 1220 mm (48 in) minimum. R402.4 Knee and Toe Clearance. Unless otherwise specifi ed, clear space shall be permitted to include knee and toe clearance complying with R403. R402.5.Position. Unless otherwise specifi ed, clear space shall be positioned for either forward or parallel approach to an element. R402.6 Approach. One full unobstructed side of the clear space shall adjoin a pedestrian access route or adjoin another clear space.

A- 244 Appendix A: Current Guidelines R402.7 Maneuvering Space. Where a clear space is located in an alcove or otherwise confi ned on all or part of three sides, additional maneuvering space shall be provided in accordance with R402.7.1 and R402.7.2. R402.7.1 Forward Approach. Alcoves shall be 915 mm (36 in) wide minimum where the depth exceeds 610 mm (24 in). R402.7.2 Parallel Approach. Alcoves shall be 1525 mm (60 in) wide minimum where the depth exceeds 380 mm (15 in). R404 Reach Ranges R404.1 General. Reach ranges shall comply with R404. R404.2 Forward Reach. R404.2.1 Unobstructed. Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach shall be 1220 mm (48 in) maximum and the low forward reach shall be 380 mm (15 in) minimum above the fi nish surface. R404.2.2 Obstructed High Reach. Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction, the clear space shall extend beneath the element for a distance not less than the required reach depth over the obstruction. Th e high forward reach shall be 1220 mm (48 in) maximum where the reach depth is 510 mm (20 in) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 510 mm (20 in), the high forward reach shall be 1120 mm (44 in) maximum and the reach depth shall be 635 mm (25 in) maximum. R404.3 Side Reach. R404.3.1 Unobstructed. Where a clear space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high side reach shall be 1220 mm (48 in) maximum and the low side reach shall be 380 mm (15 in) minimum above the fi nish surface. An obstruction shall be permitted between the clear space and the element where the depth of the obstruction is 255 mm (10 in) maximum. R404.3.2 Obstructed High Reach. Where a clear space allows a parallel approach to an element and the high side reach is over an obstruction, the height of the obstruction shall be 865 mm (34 in) maximum and the depth of the obstruction shall be 610 mm (24 in) maximum. Th e high side reach shall be 1220 mm (48 in) maximum for a reach depth of 255 mm (10 in) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 266 mm (10 in), the high side reach shall be 1170 mm (46 in) maximum for a reach depth of 610 mm (24 in) maximum. Section referenced in R306.3.1 Pedestrian Pushbuttons, Operation: R405.4 Operation. Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Th e force required to activate operable parts shall be 22 N (5 lbs) maximum. Section referenced in R306.4.2 Street Name

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice A - 245 R409.3 Braille. Braille shall be contracted (Grade 2) and shall comply with R409.3 and R409.4. R409.3.1 Dimensions and Capitalization. Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table R409.3.1. Th e indication of an uppercase letter or letters shall only be used before the fi rst word of sentences, proper nouns and names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials, and acronyms. R409.3.1 Braille Dimensions MEASUREMENT RANGE MINIMUM IN MILLIMETERS MAXIMUM IN MILLIMETERS Dot base diameter 1.5 mm (0.059 in) to 1.6 mm (0.063 in) Distance between two dots in the same cell* 2.3 mm (0.090 in) to 2.5 mm (0.100 in) Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells* 6.1 mm (0.241 in) to 7.6 mm (0.300 in) Dot height 0.6 mm (0.025 in) to 0.9 mm (0.037 in) Distance between corresponding dots from one cell directly below* 10 mm (0.395 in) 10.2 mm to (0.400 in) * Measured center to center R409.3.2 Position. Braille shall be positioned below the corresponding text. If text is multi-lined, braille shall be placed below the entire text. Braille shall be separated 9.5 mm (.375 in) minimum from any other tactile characters and 9.5 mm (.375 in) minimum from raised borders and decorative elements. Braille provided on elevator car controls shall be separated 4.8 mm (.1875 in) minimum and shall be located either directly below or adjacent to the corresponding raised characters or symbols. R409.4 Installation Height and Location. Signs with tactile characters shall comply with R409.4. R409.4.1 Height Above Finish Floor or Ground. Tactile characters on signs shall be located 1.2 m (4.0 ft) minimum above the fi nish fl oor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the lowest tactile character and 1.5 m (5.0 ft) maximum above the fi nish fl oor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the highest tactile character. Tactile characters for elevator car controls shall not be required to comply with R409.4.1.

A- 246 Appendix A: Current Guidelines