Agenda - Council - 05/26/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A school crossing may look dangerous for children to use, causing parents to demand a stop sign to halt traffic. Then, a vehicle which had been a problem for three seconds while approaching and passing the intersection becomes a problem for a much longer period. A situation of indecision is created as to when to cross as a pedestrian or when to start as a motorist. Normal gaps in traffic through which crossings could° be made safely no longer exist. An 'intersection which previously was not I~usy now looks like a major intersection. It really isn't--it just looks like it. It doesn't even look safer and it ususally isn't. There is a well developed set of guidelines for Madison, based on experience and data collected over the years on both the local and national level, which has been approved by the Common Council to help determine whether intersection traffic controls are necessary. These guidelines take into consideration, among other things, the probability of vehicles 'arriving at an intersection at the same time, pedestrian traffic, the availability of safe crossing opportunities, and sight distance. Often the review of traffic control at an intersection reveals that other measures are needed to maintain a safe' situation, such as parking restrictions, tree or hedge trimming, ''~ pavement markings, and spee~d enforcement. The Traffic Engineering Division · :' ' works closely with other agencies such as the Police Department, Parking Division and Building Inspection Division in reviewing locations and implementing recommendations. Citizen requests for intersection control studies can be made directly to the Traffic Engineering Division, 266-4761. TIS -1 Page 2 of Dec. 1983 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I