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T.P.D.M.V.2.4
(Al/2001)
4.2.8 Pedestrian Considerations
4.2.8.1 It is important that the needs of pedestrians are given equal importance to the needs of
vehicular traffic in junction design. Forecasts of future pedestrian demand should be given
equal priority with the design year vehicular predictions and the junction design tested to
ensure adequate capacity and minimum delay for pedestrians. Details of pedestrian
capacities, design flows and pedestrian crossing locations are given in Section 7 of Chapter
3 of this volume. The following paragraphs briefly examine the possible advantages and
disadvantages of the different junction types in respect of pedestrian facilities.
4.2.8.2 Priority junctions in general are easy to negotiate for pedestrians and intended routes
through the junction should be indicated with guardrailing. Physical islands offer refuge to
pedestrians, allowing them to cross different directions of traffic in stages. Shadow islands
do not offer the same protection and should not be relied upon in designing a junction to
accommodate pedestrians. As pedestrian volumes increase, controlled crossings may be
required on one or more arms of the junction and can be quite compatible with priority
control. Heavy pedestrian flows at priority junctions may warrant the inclusion of
footbridges or subways, however one should bear in mind the reluctance of pedestrians to
use such facilities if vehicular traffic is light.
4.2.8.3 Traffic signals offer the safest and most efficient way of dealing with pedestrians at-grade.
With light pedestrian flow levels where pedestrian aspects are not justified, pedestrians still
have the opportunity to cross streams of traffic which are halted. Wherever justified
however, pedestrian aspects should be included to give a positive indication of when to
cross.
4.2.8.4 Roundabouts are the least appropriate type of at-grade junction where pedestrians are
concerned, unless the pedestrians are catered for on an exclusive segregated network. The
flared approaches to roundabouts make the siting of crossing facilities difficult and it is
often desirable to site the crossing some way back from the give way line where the
carriageway width is less. Conventional roundabouts in particular cause designed
pedestrian paths to be circuitous and unpopular, thus encouraging jaywalking. Zebra
crossings can be compatible with roundabout-design and should be considered.
4.2.8.5 At grade separated interchanges every effort should be made to include extensive grade
separated pedestrian facilities. Footpaths attached to flyovers frequently represent an
economical and effective method of providing grade separated pedestrian facilities. Care
musf be taken however that the resulting pedestrian routes are not so diverse as to be
unattractive.