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TRAIL CROSSING AGREEMENTS
& TRAIL CROSSINGSof STATE HIGHWAYS
Stephen Pohowsky
PennDOT District 5-0
Safety Program Specialist &
Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator,
Trail Crossing Coordinator
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It says here wecross this state
road with the trail!
How do we do that?
Who do we call and
what do we need?
Shared Use Paths and highway crossings
How do wecross safely?
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Trail Crossing Presentation
Trail Crossing Agreements
Trail Crossing Plans, Design, Rules, &Best Practices
We will be covering two topics today asthey apply to crossing a State Highway
with a trail:
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Objective of this Presentation
Explain what is required to cross a State highway
with a trail
Eliminate the confusion about trail crossing
agreements and trail crossing plans
Explain the trail crossing approval process
Offer guidance on trail crossings of state highways
Simplify the procedures as much as possible
Educate, inform, share, and hopefully entertain
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Trail Crossing Agreements ?
All trail crossings of State Highways require PennDOT
approval before they can be installed or modified.
This generally consists of the following two items:
A crossing agreement between the trail owner
(sponsor) and PennDOT.
PennDOT approval of submitted trail crossing
plans.
Prior to 2008 this was accomplished via a Highway
Occupancy Agreement (HOA). This procedure is no
longer used for trail crossings. Crossings installed
before 2008 were grandfathered.
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Types of at-grade Trail Crossing Agreements
Used within the Commonwealth
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 220679 dated April 2005 coversall Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) footpath
crossings of state-maintained highways. This was amended in September
26, 2005 to include State Forest hiking trail crossings of state highways.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 220431 dated December 12,2009 covers all Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(DCNR) Shared Use Path crossings of state-maintained highways.
Appalachian Trail Agreement covers all crossings of state-maintained
highways by the Appalachian Trail.
Footpath Crossing Agreement covers all other footpath crossings of
state highways.
Shared Use Path Crossing Agreement covers all other multi-use
crossings and is the primary focus of this presentation.
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Typical At-Grade Crossing Agreements
Footpath Crossing Agreement Designed mainly for pedestrian use
Hikers, joggers, walkers, etc. Equestrians can be included!
Does not include Appalachian Trail or DCNR Trails
Shared Use Path (SUP) Crossing Agreement
Multi use trail
Bicycles, pedestrians, joggers, inline skaters, equestrians etc.
Does not include DCNR Trails
No motorized vehicles, ATVs, or snowmobiles
Most common agreement for trails
Either agreement allows for X-country skiing or snow shoeing
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Shared Use Path Crossing AgreementsAt-grade multi use trail crossings of State highways require a
Shared Use Path Crossing Agreement
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Whats the purpose of an SUP Agreement
A Shared Use Path Crossing Agreement addresses the responsibilities of
the trail owner and PennDOT for trail crossings and includes: notification procedures
signing and pavement markings
maintenance responsibilities
sight distances issues
traffic safety studies drainage concerns
clearing of vegetation
liability & indemnity
other similar issues
The execution of the SUP crossing agreement, in of itself, does not
authorize the creation or modification of any crossing. It merely allows the
trail owner to submit crossing plans for review and approval.
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Whats included in an SUP Agreement? Fifteen pages of legal definitions, procedures, responsibilities,
provisions, traffic control, construction, indemnity, rights, signingand marking statements etc.
Plus
A formal signature page for all parties involved (page 15)
Exhibit A, Traffic safety study sheet for SUP trail crossings
Exhibit B, Contractor integrity provisions
Exhibit C, Contractor responsibility provisions
Exhibit D, Americans with disabilities act provisions
Exhibit E, Nondiscrimination and sexual harassment provisions Exhibit F, Right-to-know law contract provisions
A resolution statement if the trail crossing owner is a Municipality
There is no mention of any trail names or trail crossing
locations in the agreement.
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When to use an SUP AgreementAn organization, municipality, group, or sponsor responsible
for a trail approaches PennDOT with the intent of establishing anew, or modifying an existing, at-grade trail crossing of a state-
maintained highway.
Execution of the SUP Crossing Agreement is mandatory and a
necessary first step that must be completed before the trailowner (sponsor) can submit individual crossing plans for
approval for each new or modified at-grade trail crossing.
All SUP agreements will be issued on a District-wide basis
only (i.e. you will need a separate agreement with Districts 4, 5& 6 for the same trail).
Existing crossings are considered grandfathered, however
major alterations or improvements to these crossings will
require a SUP Crossing Agreement be created or one already
be in place with the Commonwealth.
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One SUP Agreement will cover all trails and
trail crossings of state highway within a PennDOT
District Past, Present, & Future !
Shared Use Path
AgreementShared use path ow ner
& PennDOT
Signed 2012
1996
Existing Greenway Trail
with 2 crossings
2012
New Beltway Bike Path to be
built with 3 crossings
of state roads
2013
Greenway Trail extended
adding 1 new crossing
2015
Modify original 2 crossings
of Greenway Trail from
1996
Grandfathered no plans
3 trail crossing plans
1 crossing plan2 crossing plans
2013
Scenic River Trail to be
built with 2 crossings
2 crossing plans
1994Existing Rail-Trail
with 2 crossings
Grandfathered no plans
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Why should I sign an SUP Agreement?Comments heard from the Community
Im not signing it! By doing so Im taking on full legal responsibility and
indemnifying PennDOT. Ill just build my trail crossing without one
I dont need one, PennDOT owns the road and is responsible for the crossing
Ill just end my trail on both sides of the road and let users cross on their own
There is nothing that prevents trail users from bringing suit against the trailowners and nothing that prevents PennDOT from seeking damages from the trail
owner for their share of any potential liability.
PennDOT has exclusive authority and jurisdiction over all state highways per
State law. Any non-permitted trail crossing is illegal and subject to closure
without notice. PennDOT does not own or maintain any SUP trails or trail
crossings.
Building a trail crossing without the SUP Agreement invites legal liability for both
the trail owner and PennDOT. PennDOT, working with the trail group, is in the
best position to determine the safety impacts and potential mitigation factors for
at-grade crossings. Safety is the ultimate concern, and the SUP agreement
facilitates safe crossings.
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SUP Limitations
No Shared Use Path may cross a limited access highway at-grade
No Shared Use Path will cross a divided highway, except at places
where existing non-motorized traffic cross the median
No parking or trailhead area will be allowed at a State Highwaycrossing without the issuance of a separate Highway Occupancy
Permit (HOP) by PennDOT
The installation of flashing warning devices associated with any
trail crossing requires a separate Flashing Signal Permit be filed
and approved with the District Traffic Signals Unit.
Any physical construction within the roadway such as a pedestrian
island refuge will require a separate HOP permit from PennDOT.
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A very limited longitudinal length of trail in PennDOT
ROW necessary to connect non-parallel trail crossing
points would be handled by the SUP agreement.
Trail
Trail
2) SCOPE SUP
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Handled by the SUP agreement
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Handled by the SUP agreement
Trail Terminus Point
Trail ending on a State
Highway
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Other Trail Agreement Types
Trail Structure Agreement
Trail Maintenance Agreement
Right-of-Entry Agreement
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Bike/Ped Trail Bridge
All new above grade and below grade trail crossings of State highways
(bridges and tunnels) are handled by a Trail Structure Agreement
on a crossing by crossing (case by case) basis.
Trail Structure Agreement
TunnelStructure
Underpass
Structures
State Bridge
State Highway
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An Exception!
State Bridge State Bridge
Trails simply passing underneath a State Bridge generally do
not require a PennDOT agreement unless a structure is built!
No attachments are to be made to bridge or bridge walls.
No agreement required!
But you should acknowledge that
you are aware and will abide by
applicable aerial easement note
restrictions.
Same comment as left
No agreement required!
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Trail segments that parallel a State Highway and are within PennDOT
right-of-way are handled by a Trail Maintenance Agreement.
Parallel Trail within ROWParallel Trail within ROW
Trail Maintenance Agreement
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Right-of-Entry AgreementLengthy on-road segments of a trail using State highways are
handled by a Right-of-Entry Agreement when they involve the
installation of customized trail directional signage on PennDOT ROW.
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Use of Right-of-Entry Agreement
Off road section of trail
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Key Points to Rememberon crossing State Highways
An executed SUP agreement must exist:
Prior to construction of a new at-grade trail crossing
Prior to making major alterations to an existing trail crossing.
Prior to submitting trail crossing plans for review or approval
Shared Use Path (SUP) Crossing Agreements are PennDOT
District office specific.
The agreement covers all at-grade trail crossings on any trail, or
multiple trails, operated by the signer of the agreement within a
particular District. No specific crossings are mentioned in the
agreement.
l l
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SUP Agreements Currently in Place
in PennDOT District 5-0Allentown City Lehigh County
Berks County
Northampton County
Schuylkill River Greenway Association
Hellertown Borough
Palmer Township Upper Saucon Township
North Whitehall Township
South Whitehall Township
Stockertown Borough
Tatamy Borough Whitehall Township
Stroud Township
We also have a Right of Entry Agreement in place with the
Schuylkill River Greenway Association and Stroud Township
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GOOD TRAILCROSSING
DESIGN
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All safe & successful trail crossings of
State Highway have two elements in
common:
1. A crossing design that is
recognized by the driver of a motorvehicle in time to react.
2. A crossing design that
encourages trail users to stop, or atthe very least pause & look, before
crossing the highway.
A I t ti Ob ti
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There are currently no State laws, regulations, or standards thatmandate the installation of any trail signs, pavement markings, gates or
bollards at a trail crossing.
But, since the Commonwealth and local governments have full
approval authority over the use of their roads they may require
their installation to improve trail crossing visibility and safety.
An Interesting Observation
TrailTrail
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Little advance warning
No trail signage at crossing
Drivers are surprised!!
Unexpected peds/bikes on highway!
Poorly Designed Trail Crossing
S i l i !
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Same crossing only warning!
The old standard
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Not much better !
No trail signage at crossing
Illegal crosswalk pattern
Easily missed by drivers
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Same crossing poor advance signage
Non-standard sign
Too small & easily missed
C i d i t
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Crossing needs improvement
Bare minimum crosswalk marking,
this type is more for urban intersections !
No signage at crossing
d d il i d i !
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An outdated trail crossing design!
Minimal crosswalk marking,
one advance sign
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Still needs work
Illegal guiderail, safety hazard
No signage at crossing
Post should be breakaway
Needs maintenance & signage
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Needs maintenance & signage
Advance sign
obscured by tree
No signage at crossing
Did you
see the
bicyclist?
MUTCD SUP Trail Crossing Design
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MUTCD SUP Trail Crossing Design
Larger sizes approved
W16-103P
Some features of a good design
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Advance
pavement
marking
Bold
painted
crosswalk
Sign at X-walk
Advance
warning sign
Some features of a good design
Fluorescent
yellow green
signs
Trees & foliage
trimmed back for
better visibility &
sight distance
Visible queue area
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CROSSWALK MARKINGS and
TRAIL CROSSINGS
Painted Crosswalks at
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Although marked crosswalks are recommended byAASHTO at intersections between shared use paths
and roadways it is important that we understand that a
crosswalk should not be thought of as a safety
device. Since State Regulations (Section 3542 of theVehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. 3542) require motorists to
yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, many
pedestrians feel overly secure when using them. They
often place themselves in a hazardous position withrespect to vehicles in the mistaken belief that the
motorist can and will stop in all cases. It is not unusual
for this type of pedestrian behavior to increase the
number of accidents.
Painted Crosswalks at
Trail Crossings
Examples of Crosswalk Markings for Trails
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Type A
Type C
Type BType C
Type C or B preferred
for trail crossings
Least visible for trails!
Minimum width 6 feet
Preferred crosswalk
width for trail is 10 feet
or actual trail width.
Crosswalks must
follow current
TC-8600 standard
dimensions.
Zebra
Continental or Piano Key
Ladder
Standard
Examples of Crosswalk Markings for Trails
Patterned crosswalks
can be used too.
What does the law say about Crosswalks?
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What does the law say about Crosswalks?Title 75 Vehicle Code Chapter 35
Rights and Duties of Pedestrians & Pedalcycles
Un-Signalized Intersections 3542 (a)
The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the
roadway within any marked or within any unmarked crosswalk (painted or
unpainted) at an intersection.
Mid-Block (Non-Intersection) (inc ludes most t rai l cross ings) 3543 (a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than an intersection
or within a marked crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the
roadway.
Therefore:
o At marked (painted crosswalks) pedestrians have the right-of-way.
o At unmarked crosswalks vehicles have the right-of-way.
Dismounted Bicyclist - shall be treated the same as a pedestrian above.
Mounted Bicyclist according to Title 75 3505 (a) a mounted bicyclist is, and
shall be treated like, a vehicle at un-signalized intersection, therefore they
Must always stop and yield the ROW! Painted crosswalk or not.
K P i t t R b
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Key Points to Remember
Pedestrians have the right-of-way only at painted mid-block trail
crossing crosswalks!
Mounted bicyclists never have the ROW!
At all other mid-block trail crossings, the motorist has the right-
of-way.
The installation of trail crossing signage has no impact on ROW
for the above bullet points.
The legality of the crosswalk comes from PennDOTapproval of the trail crossing plans not the mere painting of
the crosswalk.
Trail Crossings
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Why install a painted crosswalk?
Trail CrossingsSome reasons for and against painted crosswalks
Provides guidance to trail users
where to cross the highway.
Acts as a pedestrian channelizing
device.
Aids in visibility to alert drivers to thetrail crossing point
Legally establishes pedestrian ROW
PennDOT requests or approves a
painted crosswalk be installed on
your plans
To provide for a safer trail crossing.
Traffic speeds are too high
Traffic volumes are too high
Poor sight distances
Crossing distance too wide
Motorists may not be able to stop intime to yield ROW due to grade or
field conditions
PennDOT does not approve a
painted crosswalk on your plans
To provide for a safer trail crossing.
Why you wouldnt want one?
An extensive FHWA study conducted in 2005 revealed that on two-lane roads
there were no significant differences in pedestrian crashes or severity for
marked versus unmarked crosswalk sites. (FHWA Publication No. HRT-04-100, Sept 2005)
Note: Trail crossings were not part of this study!
Posted Speed Limit of 40 MPH Actual road study
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0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70
DataCounts
Speed range
Posted Speed Limit of 35 MPH
N=22,091
Mean speed = 48 MPH
85th percentile = 54 MPH
% vehicles > 55 MPH = 10.7%
Actual trail crossing study
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70
DataC
ounts
Speed range
Posted Speed Limit of 40 MPH
N=30,163
Mean speed = 38 MPH
85th percentile = 43 MPH
% vehicles > 55 MPH = 0.2%
Actual road study
Crosswalk might be allowed
with other measures!
Crosswalk will not bepermitted!
SSD=342 ft for 85th%
SSD = 488 ft for 85th%
exceeds available SD
Trail Crosswalks may be
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Trail Crosswalks may be
Supplemented by YTPCDs
1. Their use increases the likelihood of a
motorist yielding to a pedestrian waiting
at a mid-block crosswalk by 17 to 24%
2. Their use is restricted to painted only
crosswalks.3. The posted speed limit must be 35 MPH
or less.
4. The devices may not be bolted or
permanently affixed to the pavement.
5. They are available free of charge from
each PennDOT District office, after
approval of the application.
6. We strongly encourage the devices be
removed between 9PM and 6 AM.
7. Probably better suited for urban trail
crossings.
Place device on centerline
Yield to Pedestrian Channelizing Device
In your Trail Designs
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In your Trail Designs
Avoid Skewed Crossings if Possible!
Crossing
Distance
20 feet
Crossing
Distance
30 feet
5.7 sec
to
cross
8.6 sec
to
cross
Large skews
may need
yield signs
& markings
Skewed crossings
will require longer
sight distances!
20
* Crossing distance is defined as edge of travel lane to edge of travel lane.
30
Required sight
distance = 397
Required sight
distance = 544
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Severely Skewed Trail Crossing
Avoid This!
B tt S l ti
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Better Solution
Make crossing angle as near
to 90 degrees as ROW allows
6.3 secto
cross
22
Required sight
distance = 426
Shortens the crossing
distance &
trail users spend less time
exposed to traffic!
vs.
5.7 sec & 397
for right angle
20 crossing
l f l
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Example of 90 Angle Crossing
An example from the SRT Trail
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An example from the SRT Trail
This curvature will also
reduce trail user speed
prior to crossing !
Yield Lines & Signs at Unsignalized
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Yield Lines & Signs at Unsignalized
Midblock Crosswalks (Trail Crossings)
20 to 50
R1-5
R1-5
You may consider using yield
lines and signs in advance of the
mid-block trail crosswalk as an
added safety measure. Provides
added reference where to stop.
Especially useful at
skewed crosswalks in
urbanized areas!
Ad P t M ki
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Advance Pavement Markings
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SIGHT DISTANCECALCULATIONS
Crossing Sight Distance Issues
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Crossing Sight Distance IssuesTwo important measurements need to be made
at every trail crossing for plan approval:(Paragraph 10 of the Shared Use Path Crossing agreement)
1. Trail Crossing sight distance
The distance required by a trail user to determine if
it is safe to proceed across the travel lanes of ahighway at a crossing.
2. Stopping sight distance
The distance required by a driver at a given speedto stop the vehicle after an object on the roadway
(bike/ped) becomes visible to the driver.
PennDOT Design Manual Part 2, Chapter 2.17.
)(47.1 gtVd
Sight Distances
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Sight Distances
Sight distances can be affected by many things:
Trees, shrubs, hedges, seasonal farm crops (i.e. corn, wheat),
or other foliage
Permanent fixed objects, buildings, sheds, fences, walls, utility
poles, guiderail, bridge parapets, etc.
Other objects such as traffic signs, mailboxes, parked cars, etc.
Vertical sag or vertical crest in the highway
Horizontal curves in the roadway before the crossing
Environmental and human factors
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Trees/Shrubs
CurveSign
Pole
Guiderail
Shadows
Name All Factors Affecting
Sight Distance!
Crossing Sight Distance
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Crossing Sight DistanceDesign speed limit 35 MPH, crossing distance = 21 feet (excludes shoulder)
Pedestrian walking speed 3.5 ft/sec + 2 sec perception
Dog Walker Sight Distance
Required
distance
Measured
North
Measured
South
412' 285' 450'
Bicycle Sight Distance
Required
distance
Measured
North
Measured
South
412' 450' 420'*
Area inside
curve must
remain clearto maintain
420 sight
)(47.1 gtVd
Skewed crosswalks
will have longer
sight distances!
Use highway designspeed in sight
distance calculations
2)5.3/21( gt
MPHV 35
North
Report lowest values
Stopping Sight Distance
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Stopping Sight DistanceDesign speed limit 35 MPH, factors in pavement coefficient of friction (f) and road grade (g)
Drivers eyes assumed 3.5 above road. Object height 2 above road.
t =Perception time 2.5 sec
Red Car Stopping Sight Distance
Required
distance
Actual
To Bikes
Actual
To joggers
250' 440' 225'
Green Car Stopping Sight Distance
Required
distance
Actual
To joggers
Actual
To Bikes
250' 430' 390'
Objects inside
curve can affect
sight distance
)(3047.1
2
gf
VVtSSD
( f )from design manual
*
Report the
lowest values
in your plans
MPHV 35
Can you stop in time?
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Can you stop in time?
Do you see the trail crossing ?
Elements of a Safe Trail Crossing!
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Elements of a Safe Trail Crossing! The trail crossing is highly visible to the vehicles on the
highway! No surprises!
Vehicles are given sufficient advance warning of the trail
crossing! So they anticipate it coming.
Trail users stop/pause to look before crossing the highway!
Trail users have adequate sight distance; drivers have
adequate stopping distance. (Compensate for deficiencies!)
The trail crossing is inspected and maintained at least once
a year. Include highway trail sign visibility !
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Highway Sign Visibility Issues
Trail crossing signs will not help if the drivers cant
see them!
Trail sign visibility can be affected by many things
including tree branches, shrubs, other signs, etc.
The solutions can be simple
Trim the tree
or move the
sign AfterBefore
The Impact of Tree Foliage
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p g
On Driver Perception
Early
Spring
Late
Summer
T il Si Vi ibilit I
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Trail Sign Visibility Issue
Advance sign
obscured by tree
and shadows
You can trim trees or relocate sign
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g
This might have been
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Evaluate field conditions &
anticipate tree/shrub growth
when you locate a trail sign.
What will this
look like in a year
or two? Bush will
get bigger.
Ask homeowner to
let you cut back
tree foliage? Tree
will only get bigger.
This might have been
a better location for
flashing light.
Step back, look from a
distance. Aim for at least
250 of sign legibility !
How Can We Improve an
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How Can We Improve an
Existing Trail Crossing?
How do you take an existing
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How do you take an existing
trail crossing from this
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To This
Trail Crossing Improvements
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Trail Crossing Improvements
Add crosswalk and dualfluorescent yellow green signs
Remove Trees in Trail Queuing Area
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Trees block views Cleared queue area
& sign adjustments
Sign Consolidation or Relocation
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g
Relocated
Lowered 1 sign
raised other
& consolidated
Improved Trail Sight Distance
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p g
Tree & brush removed
How can we improve ?
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p
Trim back tree line
District 5 Guidelines for Good Trail Crossings
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g
Sign visibility can
be improved by
using fluorescent
yellow green &/or
sign post reflective
strips.
10 ft or
trail width
Do not mix
Colors !
Stop signs
are mandatory
for SUP trail
crossings! Larger signs
may help too!
3036
Better if bollards or gates
are outside PennDOT ROW
Sign Post Consolidation at the Crossing
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& Dual Advance Signage
Back to Back
on same post
Back to Back
on same post
Watch for spacing between back to back
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supplemental signs if you consolidate
Narrow crosswalk Reverse skew to travel lane
Wide crosswalk
Forward skew
to travel lane
Too large
Spacing
Looks
Good!
Better solution
separate posts
Types of signs currently being used at
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Best choice for
all multi-use
SUP trails
yp g y g
Shared Use Path Trail Crossings
W11-15W11-1 W11-2
Best for footpath
trails or pedestrian
crosswalks
Best for bicycle
trails with little
pedestrian activity
More descriptive
Shared Use Path Trail Crossing Signage
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All signs must be
obtained from a listof State Approved
Sign Manufacturers
available from
PennDOT
All signs must be
installed according
to TC-8702B
standards for height,
lateral clearance, &
breakaway design.
Optional Trail Name Signage
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M1-8
W16-8P
12x 30
M1-8A
12x 36
Custom Approved
Design
D3-1
Optional
Example from the field
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Things That Go Wrong !
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Things That Go Wrong !
Non-approved sign design & mounting!
Wrong sign layout & does not meet
minimum sign under-clearance of 7 foot
(urban) or 5 foot (rural)
Crosswalk too Small !
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4 Does not meet 6 foot
minimum TC-8600 standard.
Should aim to match width
of trail.
New District 5 Trail Crossing
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Good signage
Advance
pavement marking
Highly visible
crosswalk
Good sight
distances
Typical Crossing PlanInclude: Crossing width
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Crosswalk pavement markings
Minimal skew angle
Trail crossing signs at the
crosswalk and in advance of it
Advance trail crossing pavement
markings
Stop signs on the trail
Gates or bollards designed to gettrail users to slow or stop before
the trail crossing
Include all items from paragraph
3b of the SUP agreement !
Roadway width
Sight distances
crossing, stopping
Trail width
Hwy grade
SR, segment
& offset
Speed limit
Sometimes its necessary to
use a pedestrian refuge islandREFUGE ISLANDS
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use a pedestrian refuge island
to cross a highway with a trail.Used on roads
with very high
traffic volumes or
wide 3 or more
lane crossings
Requires an HOP
Reduces crash rates
The Final Steps
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The Final Steps
PennDOT will review the trail crossing plan and
accept it or suggest modifications.
When it accepts a crossing plan, PennDOT will
provide the Shared Use Path Group with written
approval of the trail crossing plan and authorize
creation of the crossing consistent with the
provisions of the Shared Use Path Agreement.
The Shared Use Path Group shall notify
PennDOT when construction of the crossing is
completed.
Custom Designed and Approved Signs
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Signs must fit into M1-8A
or M1-8 sign foot print
Normal use is for on-road
sections of trail
Requires PennDOT design approval
Trail Wayfinding Signage
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Used to Direct Motorists
D7-4
Used to Direct BicyclistsD11-1 or D1 series M1-8A
MUTCD 2009 Section 9B.20 11PA Tourism Signing Trust
Requires PennDOT
permission before
installing.
See MUTCD 2009Section 9B.20-22 &
AASHTO Guide for
the Development of
Bicycle Facilities
Chapter 4.11
Examples of
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Examples of
some of the
many logosavailable for
wayfinding
signage
Wayfinding for vehicles to trailhead
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L&NE Rail-Trail
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Wayfinding bicycles between two trails
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D&L Trail
South Bethlehem
Greenway
Will require PennDOT
permission if signs are
placed on state roads
Link the
Trails
Final Comments
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The Shared Use Path owner is responsible for maintenance of the shared use path
and shared use path signs & markings as depicted on the approved Crossing Plan.
PennDOT will maintain other signs such as chevrons, curve warning signs, white edge
lines, etc.
o With rare exceptions, PennDOT will not install or maintain the signs or pavement
markings associated with a trail crossing.
o However, if a State highway containing a permitted or approved trail crossing is
paved by PennDOT, PennDOT will typically replace in-kind all crosswalk and
advance pavement markings but will not maintain them.
In the event PennDOT determines an existing trail crossing may be dangerous based
upon traffic accident history or lack of adequate sight distance, PennDOT may require
the temporary closure of the crossing. Crossing plans must be submitted and approved
to correct the deficiencies before the crossing is reopened.
No two trail crossings are alike so there is no one size fits all in trail crossing
design. Each crossing is unique and has its own individual set of circumstances
that need to be addressed. Even so there are standard practices and techniques
that can be applied and used at every trail crossing to improve safety.
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QUESTIONS?
Stephen Pohowsky
Safety Program Specialist - Bicycle Pedestrian & Trail Crossing Coordinator
Counties: Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Schuylkill
PennDOT District 5-0 1002 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101
[email protected] ph (610) 871-4490
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Trail Path Crossing Designs: Gates, BollardsA d d i l i d bi li t i b f i
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Nothing! Or
Wide spaced
Bollards
typically 5+ ft
Close spaced
Bollards
Typically 3 ft
Gate & Bollard Dual Gates or
fence overlap
Avoid This
If possible!
Too wide
Nothing
or single
bollard
A good design slows or impedes bicyclists in some way before crossing
Not a
desirable
design!
Poor designs for State Highway Trail crossings
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Nothing
Bikes canspeed across!
Too wide
Bikes can pass
through unimpeded
Can be hazard for bicyclists
Difficult maneuver
for bicycles ortandems to make
Bollard too narrow
min 4 inch diameter
Designs that force bicycles to stop, pause, or turnbefore crossing.
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g
Use bright colors or
reflective material
36 minwidth
A design that looks solid while approaching!
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Forces a Turn!
Opening
Gate openings
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Spacing ConsiderationsElectric Scooter
(3 or 4 wheel) 23 average width
Segway 25 average width
Wheelchair 27 average width
Recumbent Trike 33 average width
Tricycle (3 wheel bike) 31 average width
Maneuvering
area betweengates