VDOT tries zig-zag street markings

VDOT's research division recently painted zigzag pavement markings at two W&OD at-grade crossings (Sterling Boulevard and Belmont Ridge Road).

These two locations were picked out of 70 places where this trail intersects with roadways because of traffic volume, speed, sight distance, roadway curvature and data collection considerations.

“We’re constantly looking for new ways to alert drivers about pedestrians,” said Hari Sripathi, VDOT regional traffic engineer.

VDOT is installed the road markings at the Belmont Ridge location on Monday, April 13, and plans to install another set of markings at the Sterling Boulevard location on Thursday, April 23, weather permitting.

After the pavement markings are installed, VDOT will monitor traffic speeds and driver behavior for a full year. If the experiment is successful, VDOT may consider the zigzag markings as a more standard pedestrian safety measure.

The zigzag pavement markings are a low cost alternative to other safety improvements at mid-block locations. The pavement markings come in two different styles. The Federal Highway Administration approved their use for this test after seeing the successful use of these markings in the United Kingdom and Australia.

As one commenter pointed out on Dr. Gridlock, these are different than the zigzags used in the U.K. where the zigzags are next to the curb.

the intent being to keep an area clear so people crossing the street can see. They don't have anything to do with communicating a "slow down" message, especially given that they're placed over to the curb side of the lane and not down the middle.

I think it's great that VDOT is trying innovative approaches to creating safety for pedestrian, cyclists and drivers. It'll be interesting to see the results.

If you want an interesting study, compare and contrast the comments on Dr. Gridlock's blog to those on the Living in LoCo blog.

Comments

[Derek]

I also think it is great that VDOT is trying something new and innovative.

I would also like to see those small yellow signs that state it is required by law to stop for peds in crosswalks. I feel that most drivers don't stop simply because they don't realize that they are supposed to.

In addition, I think speed humps need to be added to the W&OD crossing at Hunter Mill in Reston. Not only do drivers not see the trail due to trees, turns, and hills, but I am pretty sure that most drivers are well above the 35mph speed limit for this area. That is the only intersection that I consistently have close calls at.

A speed trap every now and then wouldn't be a bad idea either.

[ibc]

I usually just stop, get off the bike, put it up on the rear wheel, and start pushing it out into the road.

You'd be amazed at how quickly drivers remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way.

[Contrarian]

If you follow the link to the Loudon Extra blog, and read the comments, you'll see that a substantial portion of the posters believe that drivers have right-of-way and that pedestrians and cyclists have to yield. The problem isn't that drivers don't know the crosswalk is coming, it's that they don't believe they have to stop for it. A "stop for pedestrians" sign would probably be more effective.

[jeff]

Seems like a lot of wasted paint to me. They should just turn the stop signs 90degrees, and make the cars stop. Traffic calming and priority to vulnerable users in one shot!