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TextNew Pedestrian Safety Program Improvements Countdown Signals To Be Installed
Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935, FAX 703-324-2010
Aug. 8, 2003
New Pedestrian Safety Program Improvements
Countdown Signals To Be Installed
Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 9:30 a.m., Fairfax County officials will
commemorate the installation of new pedestrian countdown signals at the
intersection of Lockheed Boulevard and Richmond Highway. Representatives
of community groups such as Safe Crossings, who have been active in
efforts to improve pedestrian safety throughout Fairfax County, will also
participate in this ceremony. It will take place at the Exxon Station
located at 7312 Richmond Highway, Alexandria.
These signals differ from the standard pedestrian crossing signals in that they feature a visible timer that counts down the number of seconds remaining for pedestrians to safely cross the street. This is aimed at reducing some of the confusion associated with standard crossing signals that change to a "Don't Walk" symbol to prevent pedestrians from stepping off the curb and beginning to cross the street. Often pedestrians already in progress across the street who then see the signal change to "Don't Walk" are unsure if they should proceed across. With these new signals there can be little confusion, since the timer indicates just how much time remains to cross the road.
Within the next couple of months, the countdown signals will also be
installed at the intersections of Richmond Highway at Beacon Hill Road,
and Richmond Highway at Ladson Road. The installation of countdown
pedestrian signals at all three intersections is being coordinated with
the Virginia Department of Transportation as part of a special one-year
study approved by the Federal Highway Administration for trial use of
these devices. If study results are favorable, it is anticipated that
countdown pedestrian signals will be installed at other selected
locations in the county as traffic signals are upgraded.
The countdown pedestrian signals are part of a comprehensive program of
pedestrian safety initiatives that Fairfax County is undertaking with
VDOT's assistance. Throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in
the last year there has also been a regional effort to improve awareness
on the part of drivers and pedestrians about pedestrian safety issues. At
the ceremony, media will have the opportunity to hear from county
representatives why pedestrian safety is an important issue deserving of
this extra initiative.
For more information about countdown pedestrian signals in Fairfax
County or for information about the ceremony, please call Doug Hansen,
Senior Transportation Planner for Traffic Operations, 703-324-1100, TTY
703-324-1102.
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