Posted: January 11, 2005
The City of Plano Transportation Division is testing the effectiveness
of a new pedestrian safety technology, in collaboration with TraStar, Inc.,
a manufacturer of advanced traffic control systems.
Located at K Avenue at 15th Street and Parkhaven Drive at Independence
Parkway, the new technology consists of special signals that indicate the
time remaining for a pedestrian to cross a street.
By providing this information, pedestrians can better judge whether to
begin crossing, or to wait for the next signal light.
As shown in the picture above, a pedestrian image will indicate pedestrians
can begin crossing. A red caution hand will soon appear accompanied by
a count down of the seconds remaining until it is no longer safe to cross.
The new signals were installed for testing on Monday, January 10, 2005
and will remain throughout a 60-day testing period. If proven successful,
the new crossing signals may be deployed at selected high pedestrian volume
intersections.
The new signals are part of the City’s continuing efforts to enhance
pedestrian safety and the high quality of life Plano residents have come
to expect.
Comments about the operation and usefulness of these devices can be reported
by calling the Transportation Hotline at 972-941-7878, or addressing comments
to Mr. Lloyd Neal, Transportation Engineering Manager, at lloydn@plano.gov
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