Crossing Signs and Markings
Purpose
Alert drivers to expect crossing pedestrians and bikes and indicate preferred crossing locations.
Description
Crossing signs warn road users of the presence (or upcoming presence) of a crossing location. Pavement markings reinforce messaging to road users and direct pedestrians and bicyclists where to cross a street. Crosswalk markings include high-visibility (bold, parallel bars) or standard (long, narrow) white markings to indicate pedestrian crossing locations. Yield markings (also called shark teeth), YIELD signs, and YIELD HERE TO PEDESTRIAN signs indicate where drivers should stop when yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists at marked crossings. Fluorescent yellow-green warning signs used at crossings feature an icon of a pedestrian, school children, or a pedestrian and a bicyclist and an arrow pointing to the crosswalk.
Safety Benefits
- Provide warning at intersections or crossings.
- Increase predictability of pedestrian or bicyclist crossing locations for drivers.
- Increase visibility of expected crossing locations for drivers.
- Improve yielding at crossings and intersections. When set back from an uncontrolled multi-lane crossing, yield markings can help improve visibility and reduce multiple-threat crashes. Street Types and Context Applicable Street Types All street types (except Controlled Access Highways) in all contexts as governed by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). County crossing and sign guidelines.
Street Types and Context
Applicable Street Types
All street types (except Controlled Access Highways) in all contexts as governed by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). County crossing and sign guidelines should be referenced for applicability of specific treatments.
Other Location Guidance
Arlington County has developed specific guidelines for the use of signage and markings as indicated in the reference section. Furthermore, Arlington County has adopted practices and policies that help further inform the installation of signage and markings. Guidance for identifying locations for installation of crossing signs and crosswalk markings include consideration of the following:
- Sightlines.
- Location and orientation in relation to travel lanes.
- Accessibility standards.
- Appropriate number of signs.
Primary User Groups
Key Implementation Considerations
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the national standard for all signage and pavement markings. Arlington County has its own guidelines for installation of crossing signs and marked crossings. (See references below.)
Expected Crash Reduction
15% for pedestrian crashes, with the installation of pedestrian signs (Gan et al., 2005).
40% for all crashes, with the installation of advance crossing signs (Gan et al., 2005).
Cost
Typically, lower cost treatments that require monitoring and annual maintenance to keep up to standards.
Timeline
Crossing signs and pavement markings can typically be implemented in less than one year. Pavement markings must be applied during warmer weather and on dry pavement.
Application in Arlington
Visit Vision Zero Program Dashboard: Crosswalks to see where this tool has been implemented.
Vision Zero Dashboard
References
High Visibility Crosswalks
High-visibility crosswalks use “continental” pavement markings that are visible to both drivers and pedestrians from farther distances compared to other crosswalk marking styles. Painted line segments run perpendicular to the crosswalk and are 2-feet wide, separated by 2-feet of unpainted area. Mostly newly installed or re-marked crosswalks in the County use the continental (high visibility) marking pattern. There are a few circumstances where "standard" or "ladder" styles may be used. Refer to the Arlington County Marked Crosswalk Guidelines for more information about crosswalk markings styles.
