Improving pedestrian safety through Smart Crossings

Abstract

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is undertaking a Smart Crossings Project rolling out pedestrian on-crossing detector technology (OCD) at selected signalised intersection across Queensland. The OCDs can detect slower pedestrians and extend the pedestrian clearance time, providing a safety benefit by allowing vulnerable users to cross safely. They can also sense if the pedestrian crosses the road quickly, providing the potential to shorten the pedestrian clearance time, allowing an earlier phase change and providing the benefit of efficient traffic operations. Standard signalised pedestrian crossings use a fixed clearance time and signal sequence – this can result in unsafe conditions for slow walkers and unnecessary traffic delays when pedestrians have cleared the carriageway. There are two types of detectors available – footpath detectors that detect waiting pedestrians and on crossing detectors that detect the presence of pedestrians on the crossing. The Smart Crossings project in partnership with district leads at selected intersections across Queensland. Sites are selected based on a number of criteria such as local pedestrian volumes, pedestrian generators, intersection configuration and constructability. The detector units selected can detect pedestrians walking within the detection zone using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar technology. Configuration of the device is through a web-based interface over WIFI. This is advantageous as it speeds up the testing and commissioning. The detection zone for each detector can be adjusted to a maximum of 24 metres long and 10 metres wide. Up to four detectors can be co-located on a single pedestrian crossing using kerbside and centre median posts, enabling monitoring of crossing up to 48 metres in length. All OCDs on a pedestrian crossing work in conjunction with each other. The pedestrian phase is made up of multiple time settings. With the introduction of Smart Crossings operation, the pedestrian phase within the traffic signal controller (TSC) requires amendment. The traffic engineering aspect of this project incorporates the development of a Traffic and Road Use Management Manual supplement document. This guideline provides detailed information on the Smart Crossing facilities, design considerations and TSC operation