Wednesday, March 14, 2007

New type of traffic signal unveiled in Chevy Chase, DC

From a DC Department of Transportation press release:

DDOT TO ACTIVATE PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL IN NORTHWEST

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) on Thursday, March 15, will activate a new pedestrian activated signal just south of Chevy Chase Circle at Connecticut Avenue at Morrison Street.

This new signal is the first of its kind in the District. It features an exclusive pedestrian light that will allow pedestrians to cross Connecticut Avenue without interference from turning vehicles.

When not activated, motorists on Connecticut Avenue will have a flashing yellow light and motorists on Morrison Street will have a flashing red light.

When a pedestrian pushes the button to cross Connecticut Avenue, the signal on Connecticut Avenue will change to solid yellow, then solid red while the Morrison Street signal changes to solid red.

Next, the pedestrians will receive a WALK signal to cross Connecticut Avenue. A total of 31 seconds has been allocated for the walk phase after which the signal will revert to the flashing indications. There will be "No Turn on Solid Red" signs to ensure that pedestrians have a protected phase.

Since this is a new operation, pedestrians and motorists are urged to use caution while approaching and crossing this intersection.

DDOT has been working with the area residents to meet the needs for additional pedestrian safety in this portion of Connecticut Avenue.

Residents in the District can help be DDOT identify pedestrian problem areas by calling the Mayor's Citywide Call Center at (202) 727-1000 to report problem intersections for additional pedestrian safety.

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