Raised Cross Walks

Typical Design:

• A popular raised cross walk design is the Seminole County, FL speed table design. This design is 22 feet long in the direction of travel. It has 6 foot ramps on each side and a 10 foot flat top. The table is typically 3 to 4 inches high.
• Raised cross walks typically join the curbs at each end and are integrated with the sidewalk. In some cases the raised cross walk can be raised to 6 inches so the flat top is level with the curb. This makes the crossing more convenient for disabled and elderly pedestrians. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements must be met.
• A catch basin should be installed on the uphill side of the cross walk for drainage purposes.
• See speed tables for more on the typical design.
• The Institute of Transportation Engineers has design recommendations.(2)
• The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has design recommendations.(3)

Placement Issues:

• Raised cross walks can be used at mid-block or at intersections.
• Useful in high pedestrian traffic areas.
• Advance warning signs should be used along with cross walk signs.

Approximate Cost:

• Installation costs for raised cross walks vary between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on drainage issues, width of the road, and aesthetic features.

Comments:

• In low pedestrian traffic areas, money can be saved by not integrating the ends of the raised cross walk with the height of the curb. The raised cross walk can taper to the gutters on each end to allow for drainage. The taper should not be wide enough for motorists to cross the hump with one wheel in the gutter.
• When raised cross walks are integrated with the curb (same height as the curb), the transition from the sidewalk to the raised cross walk should be denoted by a slight lip or other feature to warn the visually impaired.
• When designing a raised cross walk, considerable attention should be given to aesthetics.