scope:

Pedestrian plaques or signs at traffic signals have evolved from a simply informational purpose, to addressing pedestrian actuation, and more recently to educating the user regarding pedestrian signal indications. Changes to the design of signalized intersections to support the Americans with Disabilities Act and more common use of two accessible curb ramps per intersection corner, has further affected the need for and function of these signs. In the context of the Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) in advance of rulemaking for the upcoming 11th edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the final federal rule for the Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way, this paper draws from a survey of practice to evaluate and better understand how practitioners utilize pedestrian push button signs and seek input on how greater uniformity might be possible.