Improving Crosswalk Safety at Chevron
Ten crosswalk warning systems are installed at the Chevron corporate campus in Bakersfield, CA. Ten systems combined create a large network of pedestrian safety lighting. This has the effect of creating an extensive safety zone around campus.
Long Lasting Crosswalk Lighting Systems
These are extremely durable lighting systems. Fixtures are installed directly in the roadway. Although designed to be virtually permanent, fixtures can be temporarily removed. This allows for easy maintenance and also facilitates street resurfacing projects. Ultra-bright LEDs flash, bringing driver attention to someone crossing the road. The lights also improve the rate of driver yielding to pedestrians waiting to cross the street.
Crosswalk Lighting for Worker Safety
There can often be hidden dangers present on the busy streets and roadways at a corporate campuses. Many corporations are beginning to recognize and more widely address pedestrian safety as a worker safety issue. crosswalk lighting, flashing roadway signs, and radar speed signs are proven to help.
Combined Systems Create Safety Zone
While crosswalk lighting is useful even in standalone installations, but Chevron’s approach is even more effective. They are creating a comprehensive safety zone. The effect of 10 systems used together is greater than ten systems separately. This virtual street safety zone improves crosswalk safety and protect workers. Drivers and pedestrians moving between buildings are more aware, with safer walking conditions for all.
Large crowds of patrons in the streets and parking lots of Los Angeles’ popular Citadel outlets concerned building owners. They needed to improve safety, but with a solution able to compliment the attractive design of the well-known outlets.
The crosswalk warning systems at Los Angeles’ Citadel outlets are eye-catching in more ways than one. Flashing inpavement lights are grabbing drivers’ attention and the installation site is getting noticed for its good looks. Designer Ricardo Garcia with Awbrey Cook and McGill Architects considers the project a success on both counts, “It works well and it looks great. I know the owners are happy. It’s not a system that’s big or obtrusive, it’s not an eyesore. On the contrary, it’s cool looking and blends into the environment when not in use.”
Mr. Garcia chose Traffic Safety Corp. (TSC) products for more than just their visual appeal, “We searched for a system that had the best features. Several manufacturers were evaluated. We specified the TSC system based on its safety enhancement features, level of support, ease of installation, and warranty coverage. It met all our requirements and represented the best value.”
A custom configuration was selected for the application. Each system uses three TS501 stainless steel uni-directional lights activated by pushbuttons that present a voice caution message to pedestrians when depressed. Two main crosswalks were outfitted with the systems to create a pedestrian safety zone along the busy one-lane street leading to the outlet’s main parking area.
This was ESI Contracting’s first installation of an inpavement lighting system. ESI Project Manager Patrick Birkner shares his experience, “The instructions were great. They were easy to follow and were what I like to call, ‘installer-friendly’. One thing more I’ll say about this project is that we had great technical support. The day the system was shipped to us, TSC called and provided a pre-installation briefing to our field project manager. On site, when we needed information, TSC’s technical staff was quick to respond with information that helped us through the project. It’s great when you have good technical support.”
Citadel owners insisted on keeping control equipment out of sight. Installers got creative and housed everything in a nearby office building. ESI installer Roberto Quintero explains, “The controllers were installed above the ceiling. Power and crosswalk cabling was connected and channeled across the ceiling and out to the fixtures and pushbuttons. Since everything in the controller was color coded and clearly labeled, it was easy. Everything went smoothly. After the inspection, the owner was very pleased. He was satisfied with the performance of the systems, and with the way the installation blended in with the shopping environment.”
The lighting systems are changing driver behavior and keeping shoppers safe. Designer Ricardo Garcia describes the results, “It serves its intended purpose. It’s obvious to the pedestrians where they need to cross, and it alerts drivers that the crosswalk is in use. Drivers are responding like they should, slowing down, and stopping.” Phil Palisoul, with Craig Realty Group, the outlet’s owners, remarked, “Personally, I love it. I think it’s great. It does exactly what we intended it to do. We’re looking to use them in other locations around the center, and at other locations we have around the country…I’d recommend the use of the TSC system to anyone who cares about pedestrian safety.”
The City of Woodland installed TSC system at a popular neighborhood park in 2007. After learning more housing was planned for development at the site, city officials decided to add beacons to address anticipated increases in pedestrian traffic.
Maintaining pedestrian safety becomes more difficult as cities grow. In 2007, Woodland, CA installed a Traffic Safety Corp (TSC) crosswalk lighting system to provide residents of a large neighborhood safe access to their local park. As the city has grown, officials have addressed changing pedestrian safety needs with their upgradable TSC system.
City Engineer, Jair Camacho, was pleased with the added safety provided by the system. When he learned that another tract of homes would be added to the neighborhood, he realized that safety conditions would change. He decided to enhance the system with beacons to address the anticipated increase in pedestrian traffic.
Jair contacted TSC’s dealer for California, Ed Campbell, for information on how to add the beacons. Ed explained that the system could run the beacons after the controller was upgraded to a new TS1000. The system’s reusable infrastructure would facilitate the simple plug-and-play procedure.
This infrastructure helps communities maximize their return on investment. Systems can be upgraded and enhanced over their useful life of twenty years, or more. Ted Vaeches, Marketing Manager with TSC explains how, “We’re currently upgrading halogen lamp fixtures installed in the mid-90’s with state-of-the-art LED fixtures. At the same time, our controllers, which are mounted on removable back panels to allow for easy upgrade, are being upgraded to our new TS1000. Reusing the infrastructure minimizes both the cost and effort involved in an upgrade.”
Reusing the infrastructure helps save money during resurfacing or other roadwork projects. Fixtures are simply removed and base cans are covered while work is performed. Afterward, spacers are used to reinstall fixtures at the proper height. This important capability significantly extends the life of the system and minimizes its lifetime cost.
After the discussion, Ed arranged for TSC System Engineer, Rick Heiser, to oversee Woodland’s controller upgrade. Ed commented on the results, “Jair and his crew were pleased with our responsiveness and support. The entire TS1000 and beacon upgrade was completed in less than a day.”
Upgrading to the new, patent pending TS1000 equipped the Woodland system with additional safety features. Choosing one of the controller’s MUTCD compliant, enhanced flash patterns helps draw driver attention to the crossing sooner. Alternatively, they could automatically sequence through all enhanced patterns. Having the system display a different pattern for each activation improves the system’s ability to draw driver attention to the crosswalk over the life of the system.
Woodland, CA understands the benefits of installing a TSC system designed for long-term use. The reusable infrastructure and replaceable, upgradeable controller back panels help city officials respond to changing pedestrian safety needs in growing communities. These features make implementing new technology economical and extend the life of the system. Woodland’s enhanced system will safeguard many more pedestrians as the city continues to grow.
The main road running through Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA is also a state highway. Students had suffered close calls and accidents in recent years. Administrators began aggressively looking for a way to improve pedestrian safety.
Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, MA needed to improve pedestrian safety on campus. Director of Facilities Planning and Management, John Bryant, describes their predicament, “Mount Holyoke College is situated on State Route 116, a busy two-lane road with six pedestrian crossings and one bus stop…there were occasional close calls, and some recent accidents where pedestrians were struck by vehicles.”
College administrators decided to install a series of Traffic Safety Corporation (TSC) crosswalk lighting systems to help keep students safe. The college hired Berkshire Design Group to execute the project. Chris Wall of Berkshire Design Group explains the college’s decision to use inpavement lighting, “We used the TSC warning light system on a job for Amherst College nearby. Mount Holyoke College saw it and liked it. They wanted to install the same design to improve driver awareness, and enhanced visibility of pedestrians in the crosswalk.”
Berkshire Design Group called on their local TSC dealer, Gary Maccarone of Ocean State Signal, for support in selecting appropriate equipment for the site, “Based on the college’s needs we came up with a plan for five identical systems configured with bi-directional TS-600s. The fully-flush fixture provides a flat surface for students, bicyclists, and skaters to safely cross over. They’re ideal for snowy regions because snowplows won’t damage them. Pushbuttons with audible caution message are used for activation, and flashing pre-warning signs were included for added visibility. This is a long-term safety solution; if they have further roadwork, or need to repave, fixtures can be removed and replaced thanks to our systems’ reusable infrastructure.”
Elm Electric’s Brian Palazzi headed up the installation, “The experience was very good. By following the comprehensive installation manual, the job came together nicely. What was surprising was the on-site visit by Gary Maccarone, who sold us the system, and Charles Cunningham, the National Sales Manager for TSC. They arrived at the beginning of the project and stayed until the first system was installed and operating properly. Also, the assistance we received from Gary over the phone throughout the project made the install stress free. I knew that if I had a problem I’d have either the phone support that I needed, or a site visit if necessary.”
The systems were up and running after a trouble-free installation. Mr. Palazzi describes his first impression, “Seeing the system up and running for the first time was exciting! I think the system would even get the attention of a driver on a cell phone…The overwhelming pedestrian traffic now has another line of defense when crossing the busy highway, and they like it. The general public uses the systems at either end, and they really like them too.”
Mount Holyoke’s Director of Facilities Planning and Management, John Bryant, considers the project a success, “Our goal was to draw more attention to pedestrians crossing Route 116. We wanted to create an atmosphere in which vehicles were driving through a pedestrian zone, rather than pedestrians walking across a busy highway…Drivers who frequent this section of roadway are becoming used to this type of crosswalk. As time passes, vehicles are slowing more and becoming more aware. Drivers are more cautious, and are slowing down with increased awareness. The key benefit of having the systems is increased safety.”
An outstanding institution just got a little bit better thanks to an innovative application of Traffic Safety’s inpavement crosswalk systems. They may have a few more graduates to contribute to the Alumni Fund. Smart guys.
Sutter Medical Building’s narrow driveway is used by both pedestrians and vehicles. The Building’s owner recognized the potential for accidents and began looking for a way to make the driveway safer for pedestrians.
Safety is a high priority at any medical facility. The Sutter Medical Building in San Francisco, CA is no exception. The Building’s owner decided to address an unsatisfactory pedestrian safety situation before something happened.
Staff, patients and visitors expressed concern about the safety of the Building’s narrow dual purpose driveway. Patients and their loved ones use the driveway to access the disabled persons entrance. Drivers also use it to go to and from a parking lot behind the building. Drivers were often surprised to find themselves sharing the driveway with pedestrians and patients using wheelchairs and walkers.
The Building’s owner instructed his engineer to find a solution. An Internet search identified Traffic Safety Corporation (TSC) inpavement lights as a possibility. The engineer called TSC’s California representative, Ed Campbell, to learn more.
Ed confirmed that a TSC safety lighting system could help. He proposed a custom layout for the site and helped select the equipment for the job. TS-600 light fixtures were chosen because their fully-flush design wouldn’t interfere with canes, walkers and wheelchairs. Pushbuttons that play a custom audio caution message were chosen to provide additional safety for pedestrians with visual impairments.
Juan Deharo, President of Silver Creek Electric, planned and supervised the installation. He recalls the unusual layout required for the project, “We had to figure out the best way to orient the base cans. Unlike a typical crosswalk, traffic and people here travel in the same direction. We had to face the fixtures in line with the pathway so cars would see them. Drivers need to see the LED lights. This is the single most important requirement.”
Ted Vaeches, Marketing Manager for TSC, traveled to the site to furnish support and brief installers. He remained on-site during the project to offer assistance as needed. Installer Juan Deharo was pleased with the experience, “The installation went very easy…Ted Vaeches was very helpful in providing guidance and recommendations…it went very smoothly. It was great to have a company representative on-site. We could ask him any question regarding the system or installation. After the system was installed it began working perfectly, alerting drivers and delineating the pathway. It’s a great safety precaution. People aren’t going to be run over by cars.”
The Sutter Medical Building project is one of many site-specific solutions TSC has helped configure. TSC works closely with customers from inception to installation to optimize the safety of each project. Thanks to the owner, his engineer, and support from TSC and its dealer, Sutter Medical Building patrons can enjoy a safer visit to the doctor.
A recent construction project moved Stinson Municipal Airport’s parking across the road. Speeding cars made crossing to the terminal risky for customers. Airport managers started looking for something to help.
Stinson Municipal Airport’s recent terminal expansion project relocated parking across the street. Customers began crossing a rural road where speeds are often unpredictable. Airport managers recognized the need to address customer safety. Morris Martin, Maintenance Coordinator at Stinson, explains, “We had to find a safe way to channel foot traffic between the parking and the terminal.”
The airport hired Beaty Palmer Architects to find the best way to add safety to the site. Project Manager Cory Hawkins researched their options, “We searched for a solution on the Internet, trying to identify one that would meet the requirements of the project. We finally identified inpavement crosswalk warning light systems as a good solution. After evaluating a number of system suppliers we decided on the system designed by Traffic Safety Corp. (TSC). We presented the TSC solution to our client and they liked it.”
National Sales Manager, Charles Cunningham, helped configure the system with appropriate components, “This is a reliever airport, so you have a lot of people carrying luggage with one hand, and maybe a child with the other. Pushbutton activation wouldn’t be convenient so we decided to use a pair of pedestrian pads (Ped-X-Pads) at each entrance. Travelers activate the system as they approach the crosswalk by standing on any part of the six-foot wide detection area. Using Ped-X-Pads makes a safer walking environment by eliminating any obstructions, like poles, from crosswalk entrances. Finally, we considered the right fixtures to use. Because of the density of foot traffic, and the state of mind of people hurrying to and from the terminal, the TS-600 fixture was chosen. The TS-600 provides a safe, flat area for travelers to walk on, as well as wheel their luggage across.”
Next, it was up to Chris Adelman to install the equipment, “The installation process was straight forward and easily completed. Most importantly, the system worked perfectly. The level of support provided by TSC was especially appreciated. I was impressed when I first saw the system in operation. All that was required for activation was for someone to step on the pad. The lights began flashing and the cars would slow down and stop. The airport was glad to see the system in operation, providing a safer crossing for travelers. The real benefit is the system’s ability to increase driver awareness of pedestrian traffic. Now when they see the flashing lights they slow down and stop.”
Design Engineer Cory Hawkins also commented on changes in driver behavior, “Drivers are definitely taking notice of people standing on the curb waiting to cross. They’re slowing down to below school zone speeds. After the crosswalk installation, drivers traveled at 5 miles per hour, whereas before the speeds were typically 15 miles per hour. Now they even slow for people still standing at the curb. I think people like the system. It helps make drivers aware of pedestrians at crossings. The airport management certainly appreciates the features of the system.”
Stinson’s crosswalk system was designed with the needs of travelers in mind. Flush lighting and hands-free activation make it convenient for travelers to slow traffic. The TSC crosswalk warning light system helps ensure each journey begins and ends safely.
Patients and employees were at risk using a crosswalk on a blind curve at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Hospital administrators began looking at safety equipment to prevent accidents.
The Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula recognized the danger at a commonly used crosswalk on a blind curve. Lauren Elsensohn, Media Specialist with the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, describes the situation, “The hospital felt they had to do something to address the issue of pedestrian safety. The problem was that drivers couldn’t see the crosswalk or pedestrians until they completed the turn, just prior to reaching the crosswalk. By that time it would be too late to slow down and stop.”
The hospital looked into accident prevention methods. Inpavement lighting was seen as a possible solution. They called Ed Campbell, Traffic Safety Corporation’s dealer in California to learn more. Ed recommended using a combination of inpavement fixtures and advanced warning signs for their particular situation.
Advanced warning signs were placed before the curve. They flash when activated to give drivers more time to slow down and stop. After the curve drivers see the bi-directional lights that outline the crosswalk. A pushbutton equipped with an audio message allows pedestrians to activate the equipment.
This project was the first to use the new TS1000 controller. The device is designed to make drivers aware earlier with MUTCD-compliant (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) flash patterns. One of nine preset flash patterns may be used. Or the system may be set to cycle through a different pattern on each activation. The TS1000 also controls how fixtures and advanced warning signs display flash patterns. Equipment may flash the same pattern, or different patterns, simultaneously or alternately (wig-wag).
The installation team was ready after Ed Campbell provided an initial briefing. Ted Vaeches, Marketing Manager for TSC, provided further on-site support to ensure the installation proceeded problem free. Ms. Elsensohn expressed her satisfaction with the results, “Everyone using the system is responding to it favorably. It’s slowing down motorists because they’re aware of the crosswalk system…it’s helping both the drivers and the pedestrians in that area.”
A combination of equipment is providing the utmost in safety for the hospital. The equipment works together to alert drivers earlier while increasing visibility of pedestrians in the crosswalk. The site-specific configuration is protecting employees, patients, and drivers, making the crosswalk safer for everyone.
A tourist was fatally struck in downtown Hailey, Idaho. City officials wanted to install inpavement lighting to prevent another tragedy. But how could they ensure the safety system would be high quality and effective?
A tourist was fatally struck in downtown Hailey, ID in May of 2004. After the tragedy, locals began voicing pedestrian safety concerns to city officials. Tom Hellen, Public Works Director for the City of Hailey, recalls the public’s response, “I was getting calls from people concerned about traffic. Many of the local residents have kids so they were worried about safety. Three or four times a month we were getting phone calls from people with concerns about pedestrian or bike safety.”
City officials recognized the potential for recurrence. Mr. Hellen explains, “This location has a high volume of traffic. This city attracts skiers in the winter and fishermen and rafters in the other three seasons. Because of the year round high volume of traffic, pedestrian safety becomes a major concern.” Mayor Susan McBryant responded by making pedestrian safety a priority.
Officials discovered crosswalk lighting as a safety solution. To make an informed purchase decision, competing designs from Traffic Safety Corporation and LightGuard Systems, Inc. were installed. The products were then evaluated to compare safety and effectiveness.
After a thorough study, the TSC system emerged as the clear winner. Its fully-flush TS-600 fixtures are ideal for an area like Hailey, where snowplows are used. In addition, the fixture’s bi-directional design increases visibility at night by both outlining the crosswalk and backlighting pedestrians. Bruce Johnson, electrician with Balanced Rock Electric, commented on his preference, “The other system only has the lights on the side where drivers are approaching the system…You’re only lighting up one side of the crosswalk. I think it’s much safer having both sides lit up.” In addition, the solar-powered system minimizes operating, installation, and lifetime costs.
The City of Hailey began working with their regional TSC dealer, George Spaltro, with Coral Sales Company, to configure the downtown system. Ten snowplow-proof TS-600 fixtures span State Highway 75, or Main Street. Tom Hellen, Public Works Director for the City of Hailey, recalled the ease of the installation, “It went very smoothly, we had a good contractor. They set it up in the shop first, they understood everything before they went out to the site…They put it in, powered it up, and it’s been working like a charm ever since.”
City officials responded to public concerns by installing inpavement lighting. By comparing systems prior to the purchase, they identified TSC as the best solution. The system will enhance pedestrian safety in downtown Hailey for many years to come.
The City of East Grand Forks, MN wanted inpavement lighting to enhance crosswalk safety. Was there a safety system that could compete with extreme winter weather and snowplows?
Pedestrian safety becomes increasingly difficult during winter months. Drivers need earlier warning as braking distances increase on icy, wet roads. Inpavement lighting equipment can be installed to keep pedestrians safe. But for cities with severe winter weather, finding safety equipment durable enough to compete with sub-zero temperatures and snowplows can be a challenge.
When the City of East Grand Forks, MN identified an unsafe crosswalk, they decided to install safety lighting. They turned to Floan-Sanders Engineering for a recommendation. Floan-Sanders Engineer, Jarda Solc, researched various solutions. He discovered Traffic Safety Corporation (TSC) products durable enough to compete with the Midwest’s winter weather, “In this area, with anything that goes inpavement, you have to consider the freeze-thaw cycle. It has to be designed so you don’t have to make repairs every spring. I saw online TSC had some projects up in Alaska, in similar climates, and thought it might be feasible here.”
TSC systems using the TS-600 light fixture are ideal for snowplow areas. Its fully-flush profile allows snowplow blades to pass over without damage. Like every TSC fixture, the TS-600 is designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures and enormous pressures exerted underground during the yearly freeze-thaw cycle. The system was ordered and it was soon time for installation.
Charles Cunningham, TSC National Sales Manager and Ben Gloyd were present during installation to lend their expertise and assistance. Tom Stenseth, Project Inspector of Floan-Sanders Engineering, appreciated the level of support TSC provided during the install, “The Traffic Safety people we had on site were very helpful. They gave a good presentation and showed a demonstration of the system. It was helpful to see it.”
Increasing driver awareness of pedestrians during winter months is especially important in regions with intense winter weather. TS-600 fixtures from TSC are snowplow-proof and highly durable. These features make them the ideal choice for bringing life-saving inpavement warning lights to snowy areas. The citizens of East Grand Forks, MN enjoy the added safety provided by the system throughout each year.
Increased suburban development made roads dangerous for pedestrians in Casa Grande, AZ. When drivers started ignoring crossing guards at Evergreen Elementary School, city officials decided to take action.
Casa Grande, Arizona, has grown to become the largest city in western Pinal County. Along with new homes and schools have come heavier traffic and wider streets. These changes can negatively affect pedestrian safety. When drivers began ignoring signs and crossing guards at Evergreen Elementary, city officials boosted safety with a solar crosswalk system from Traffic Safety Corporation (TSC).
Casa Grande had previously installed a TSC system. To determine equipment for that project, competing manufacturers’ systems underwent a field comparison. Signal Light Technician for the city, Alonzo Lopez, recalls, “After evaluating the Smart Stud and LightGuard systems, we went out to the TSC system in a town called Marana, just outside of Tucson. Once we saw the TSC system in operation, we immediately selected it as the best system. We thought, this is exactly what we want.”
A similar system would be used to augment the mid-block crossing at Evergreen Elementary. The popular crosswalk spans five lanes and is used to access the school, the Trinity Southern Baptist Church and four Little League baseball diamonds nearby. To configure the system, the City worked with Joe Wise, TSC dealer for Arizona and President of Solar Traffic Controls. He proposed a robust, solar-powered solution to maximize pedestrian safety and minimize installation, operation and maintenance costs. The resulting configuration consisted of ten TS-500 LED bi-directional inpavement fixtures, dual 8″ flashing beacons on warning signs at both approaches, Ped-X-Pad activation at each curb, and a solar-powered controller to run it all.
While sophisticated in design, the system was easy to install. Casa Grande used their Street Department, Signal Light Division, to perform most of the work. Signal Light Technician Alonzo Lopez explains, “We set it up real nice, real quick, the installation was pretty simple. We didn’t have to tie into an Auxiliary Power Supply [APS] or run extra conduit to any services because the solar advanced warning signs are self-contained. They’re radio activated, so there’s much less to do. There’s no running trench or overhead lines to the signs.” These features dramatically reduce installation, operation and maintenance costs.
After a successful installation, Mr. Lopez immediately noticed the system’s effects on traffic, “Drivers are slowing down and stopping. I’ve driven the road and the lights really get your attention. It gets the public’s attention too. People are thrilled with the performance of the system and have begun helping the city identify other dangerous crossings in need of safety improvements.”
The City of Casa Grande understands the negative effects that growth can have on pedestrian safety. The city took a proactive approach to accident prevention at Evergreen Elementary by installing a TSC crosswalk warning light system. The solar-powered system was cost-effective to install and virtually free to operate. The city has budgeted funds for two pedestrian safety systems per year for the next several years to help keep communities safer and more walkable for years to come.