Impact of Leading Pedestrian Intervals on All Users

A leading pedestrian interval (LPI) refers to a traffic signal phase wherein pedestrians receive the right-of-way prior to vehicular movements that are required to yield. During the remainder of the pedestrian phase, both vehicle and pedestrian movements may occur simultaneously. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) signal timing team regularly receives requests to implement LPIs, which are traditionally considered straightforward measures to enhance pedestrian safety at intersections. Nonetheless, UDOT has encountered varying research findings regarding LPIs, with some studies highlighting potential safety concerns. As a result, UDOT remains cautious about widespread LPI implementation. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), theoretical benefits of LPIs include improved visibility for crossing pedestrians, fewer conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, and increased motorist yielding. However, potential drawbacks include the possibility of increased pedestrian-vehicle interactions, necessary restrictions on right turn on red (RTOR), reduced green time for vehicles, decreased operational efficiency, and greater complexity in signal timing. The primary concern is the risk of conflicts between right-turning vehicles and pedestrians, particularly regarding the need for "No Right Turn on Red" (NRTOR) restrictions when LPIs are implemented. UDOT is also interested in evaluating compliance with NRTOR controls. The purpose of this research is to assess LPI installations within Utah through a before-and-after analysis. The outcomes will inform the development of formal departmental guidance for future LPI implementations, addressing the current absence of documented procedures due to inconclusive evidence on the efficacy of LPIs.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $60,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  268027

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Utah Department of Transportation

  Research and Innovation Division
  Salt Lake City, UT  United States  84114
• Managing Organizations:

  Utah Department of Transportation

  Research and Innovation Division
  Salt Lake City, UT  United States  84114
• Project Managers:

  Jensen, Travis

• Performing Organizations:

  Brigham Young University

  Provo, UT  United States  84602-4081
• Principal Investigators:

  Schultz, Grant

• Start Date: 20251007
• Expected Completion Date: 20270831
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Before and after studies; Pedestrian phase; Pedestrian safety; Right turn on red; Right turns; Traffic conflicts; Traffic signal timing
• Geographic Terms: Utah
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01968451
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Utah Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 268027
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Oct 13 2025 5:38PM