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Ing srewsherrU <br />OWNER: <br />City M Indianapolis SCHOOL ZONE FL <br />ASHERS <br />Uepartrnent of Public Work, <br />SERVICES PROVIDED„ LOCATION: INDIANAPOLIS, IN START: JUL 2014 COMPLETION: SEP 2017 <br />Traffic Engineering <br />KEY PERSONNEL: Project Description <br />Jill Palmer <br />The City of Indianapolis pursued multiple opportunities to improve safety for children traveling to <br />school. This particular project, funded in part by Highway Safety Improvement Plan (HSIP) funds, <br />replaced static signs with flashing beacons to improve driver awareness of school zones. Speed and <br />crossing signs were upgraded as part of this project. <br />Before, school zones in Indianapolis had a reduced speed limit from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm on school days. <br />With multiple school districts, some year-round schools, charter and private schools, it was difficult for <br />drivers to keep track of school days. Drivers needed to be more alert during arrival and dismissal periods <br />By changing the speed reduction from times of day to "when flashing" the condition was more clearly <br />defined, with hopes to improve driver compliance in the reduced speed. <br />Uncontrolled crosswalks are those in the middle of the block or at an intersection where drivers don't <br />have a stop sign or signal. Uncontrolled crosswalks in school zones are typically marked by signs and <br />pavement markings, and possibly and adult crossing guard. As part of the safety improvement project, <br />rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) assemblies were installed at uncontrolled crosswalks. These <br />flashing lights are activated by a pedestrian push button and are accompanied by the typical crosswalk <br />signage. Because the lights flash only when a pedestrian is planning to cross, they more easily capture <br />drivers'attention. One study showed 72-96% of drivers stopped or yielded to pedestrians where RRFBs <br />were installed, compared to 0-26% prior to installation. <br />Shrewsberry completed the HSIP funding applications and design for all phases of the project. Phases <br />I and II were constructed in 2016, while Phase III was constructed in 2017, and included new flashers as <br />well as hardware upgrades to the Phase I and II flashers. Combined, approximately 76 RRFB assemblies <br />and over 500 speed zone assemblies were installed. <br />SHREWSBERRY & ASSOCIATES 8 CITY OF SOUTH BEND <br />