As signal controllers on mid-block crosswalks usually provide pedestrian signals based on a fixed cycle signal plan, pedestrian signals are provided even when there is no pedestrian demand. Consequently, signals are operated inefficiently and this may cause drivers to experience useless delay or violate the signal. Even though pedestrian pushbutton signals have been installed recently to improve the efficiency of pedestrian signal control in mid-block crosswalks and to increase pedestrian safety, they have not been implemented nationwide in Korea because of the cost of the pushbutton equipment and the lack of an acknowledgement of its efficiency. In this study, the effectiveness of the pushbutton in reducing vehicle delay was verified through a before-and-after study at four study sites using the VISSIM traffic micro-simulation model. The sensitivity analysis for the traffic volume and pedestrian volume were performed to identify the impact of both volumes on the operation of push buttons. In this study, the criteria for installation of push buttons on mid-block crosswalks are developed through sensitivity analysis and benefit-cost analysis. The results of this study may be used as criteria for expansion of the pushbutton system. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214938.
Abstract