Rockville is completing a multiyear effort to improve pedestrian safety with accessible pedestrian signals – or APS – on all city-owned traffic lights.
The signals are designed to help visually impaired pedestrians feel more secure when crossing the street. They beep to help walkers locate push buttons that activate the walk signals. The buttons vibrate and are tactile, allowing pedestrians to feel the shape of an arrow indicating the direction to cross, which is also described by signs in braille.
Once the button is pushed, the signals give audible instructions, such as “wait,” “walk” or rapid beeps, and display a red “stop” hand, a walking figure or numbers counting down to the stop signal. Intersections with the signals also include ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The signals have been installed at 45 intersections, with two more – at Twinbrook Parkway and Chapman Avenue, and East Jefferson Street and Rollins Avenue – planned before the end of June 2018.