Making Walking and Street Crossing Safer
Pedestrians must consider safety, in addition to infrastructure and proximity of destination, when deciding to walk as a transportation alternative. Therefore, improving pedestrian safety has the potential to increase pedestrian activity and reduce congestion on Delaware's roadways. Providing livable communities, communities that provide safe and convenient transportation choices for all citizens, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and motorists, are a high priority in Delaware. In addition to engineering safer transportation solutions for pedestrians, educating and enforcing the public on pedestrian laws and improving driver awareness of pedestrians are also critical strategies to advance pedestrian safety.
Pedestrian/Bicycle Working Group
The Delaware Department of Transportation, in conjunction with our partners at the Office of Highway Safety and Delaware State Police established the pedestrian/bicycle safety working group in February 2013 due to the number of pedestrian and bicycle related fatalities and incapacitating injury crashes in 2012. The purpose of the working group was to develop ideas and methods for improving pedestrian and bicycle safety through engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency service related activities. More information...
Pedestrian Safety Campaign
- Pedestrian Countdown Signals Press Release - October 12, 2009
- Pedestrian Countdown Signals Explained
- Pedestrian Safety Brochure
OHS Pedestrian Safety Information
SR 54 Pedestrian Safety Study - SR 20 to SR 1
SR 54 Pedestrian Safety Study - SR 20 to SR 1. The SR 54 Corridor Safety Study was a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort to evaluate existing accommodations during typical weekday and weekend conditions on SR 54, between SR 20 and SR 1, for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. An in-depth investigation was conducted to identify problem locations and develop short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations for improvements. Short-term improvements are those that can be implemented relatively quickly through other projects (e.g., Pavement & Rehabilitation, Pedestrian Access Route, and other projects) or through relatively low impact/low cost projects. Generally mid-term and long-term recommendations require design efforts and additional coordination between multiple stakeholders. Therefore, these improvements have been prioritized based on a review of crash history and existing conditions to prioritize resources. The study was completed in May 2021.
US 13/US 40 Pedestrian Safety Study
During 2006, the State of Delaware experienced an unusually high number of pedestrian fatalities. Research conducted by DelDOT's Division of Planning identified several corridors within New Castle County
with unusually high concentrations of pedestrian crashes including US 13, US 40, and SR 273.
The US 13 and US 40 Pedestrian Safety Study evaluated the existing pedestrian accommodations for the US 13 corridor between SR 273 (Frenchtown Road) and Saienni Boulevard and the US 40 corridor between US 13 and Buckley Boulevard. The evaluation included an extensive data collection effort including crash data, pedestrian observations and counts, intersection turning movement counts, physical inventory, DART ridership information and general observations of traffic operations and pedestrian activity, and an in-depth investigation to identify problem locations, underlying deficiencies and opportunities for improvements. Short and long-term recommendations were developed to address the problem locations. The short-term recommendations include improvements that potentially could be implemented relatively quickly, and in fact several have been implemented already. The long-term recommendations include improvements that would require additional study, coordination, public notification and/or additional funding resources. The study was completed in April 2009.
- Improvement Recommendation: US Route 13 From DE Route 273 To Buena Vista Drive (Figure 11A)
- Improvement Recommendation: US Route 13 From DE Route 273 To Buena Vista Drive (Figure 11B)
- Improvement Recommendation: US Route 13 From DE Route 273 To Buena Vista Drive (Figure 11C)
- Improvement Recommendation: US Route 13 From DE Route 273 To Buena Vista Drive (Figure 11D)
- Improvement Recommendation: US Route 40 From US Route 13 To Oriole Ave (Figure 11E)
- Improvement Recommendation: US Route 40 From US Route 13 To Oriole Ave (Figure 11F)
- Improvement Recommendation: US Route 40 From US Route 13 To Oriole Ave (Figure 11G)
- Improvement Matrix
US 13/DuPont Highway Pedestrian Safety Study
The Delaware Department of Transportation, in conjunction with our partners at the Office of Highway Safety and Delaware State Police established the pedestrian/bicycle safety
working group in February 2013 due to the number of pedestrian and bicycle related fatalities and incapacitating injury crashes in 2012. The purpose of the working group was
to develop ideas and methods for improving pedestrian and bicycle safety through engineering, education and enforcement related activities. As part of the engineering effort,
crash data research was conducted by DelDOT's Traffic Section which identified principal arterial roadways in New Castle County, such as US 13/DuPont Highway,
to have an unusually high concentration of pedestrian crashes.
The US 13/DuPont Highway Pedestrian Safety Study was a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort to evaluate existing pedestrian accommodations during typical weekday and weekend conditions on US 13/DuPont Highway from SR 273 to Market St/Walnut St split in New Castle County. An in-depth investigation was conducted to identify problem locations and develop short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations for improvements. Generally, mid-term and long-term recommendations require design efforts and additional coordination between multiple stakeholders. Therefore, these improvements have been prioritized based on a review of pedestrian crash history, pedestrian frequency, and transit ridership to prioritize resources. Short-term improvements have not been prioritized, as it is assumed these can be accomplished relatively quickly through other projects (e.g. pave & rehab) or through relatively low impact/low cost projects. The study was completed in August 2015.
- US 13/DuPont Highway Pedestrian Safety Study Photos
- US 13 / SR 273 to Market St/Walnut St Existing Conditions Figures
- Improvement Matrix
- US 13 at Memorial Dr and E. Hazeldell Ave Intersections Study
- US 13, US 40 to Memorial Drive - Pedestrian Council Presentation, July 2018
SR 2 Kirkwood Highway Pedestrian Safety Study
The Delaware Department of Transportation, in conjunction with our partners at the Office of Highway Safety and Delaware State Police established the pedestrian/bicycle safety working group in February 2013 due to the number of pedestrian and bicycle related fatalities and incapacitating injury crashes in 2012. The purpose of the working group was to develop ideas and methods for improving pedestrian and bicycle safety through engineering, education and enforcement related activities. As part of the engineering effort, crash data research was conducted by DelDOT's Traffic Section which identified principal arterial roadways in New Castle County, such as SR 2/Kirkwood Highway, to have an unusually high concentration of pedestrian crashes.
The SR 2 Kirkwood Highway Pedestrian Safety Study was a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort to evaluate existing pedestrian accommodations during typical weekday and weekend conditions on SR 2/Kirkwood Highway from St. James Church Road/Griffin Drive to SR 141. An in-depth investigation was conducted to identify problem locations and develop short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations for improvements. Generally, mid-term and long-term recommendations require design efforts and additional coordination between multiple stakeholders. Therefore, these improvements have been prioritized based on a review of pedestrian crash history, pedestrian frequency, and transit ridership to prioritize resources. Short-term improvements have not been prioritized, as it is assumed these can be accomplished relatively quickly through other projects (e.g. pave & rehab) or through relatively low impact/low cost projects. The study was completed in January 2015. SR 2 Improvement Matrix – Status Report
SR 273 Pedestrian Safety Study
During 2006, the State of Delaware experienced an unusually high number of pedestrian fatalities. Research conducted by DelDOT's Division of Planning identified several
corridors within New Castle County with unusually high concentrations of pedestrian crashes including US 13, US 40, and SR 273.
The SR 273 Pedestrian and Bicycle Road Safety Audit was a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort to evaluate existing pedestrian accommodations during typical weekday and weekend conditions on SR 273 from US 13 to the City of Newark. An in-depth investigation was conducted to identify problem locations and develop short and long term recommendations for improvements. Short-term projects are those that can be implemented in 0-2 years through other projects (e.g. pave & rehab) or through relatively low impact/low cost projects. Several improvements have been implemented already. Long-term projects are those that require additional engineering, environmental analysis, coordination, public review, and establishment of funding sources. The final report is expected to be complete by Spring 2011.
US 40 Pedestrian Safety Study – SR 72 to Buckley Boulevard
As part of DelDOT's continued efforts to improve pedestrian safety on divided highway corridors throughout the state and in support of recommendations from the Governor's Pedestrian Council, a pedestrian safety study was completed along a section of US 40 between SR 72 and Buckley Boulevard. This study was a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort to evaluate existing pedestrian accommodations during typical weekday and weekend conditions on US 40. An in-depth investigation was conducted to identify problem locations and develop short-term, mid-term and long-term recommendations for improvements. Generally, mid-term and long-term recommendations require design efforts and additional coordination between multiple stakeholders. Therefore, these improvements have been prioritized based on a review of pedestrian crash history, pedestrian frequency and transit ridership to prioritize resources. Short-term improvements have not been prioritized, as these can be accomplished relatively quickly through other projects (e.g., Pavement & Rehabilitation, Pedestrian Access Route and other projects) or through relatively low impact/low cost projects. This study was completed in April 2019.
US 13 Pedestrian Safety Study – Scarborough Road to Puncheon Run Connector, City of Dover
Continuing DelDOT's efforts to improve pedestrian safety on divided highway corridors throughout the state and in continued support of recommendations from the Governor's Pedestrian Council, DelDOT undertook a pedestrian safety study along US 13 through the City of Dover from Scarborough Road to the Puncheon Run Connector. The study was a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort to evaluate existing pedestrian accommodates during typical weekday, weekend and NASCAR race weekend conditions on US 13. An in-depth investigation was conducted to identify problem locations and develop short-term, mid-term and long-term recommendations for improvements. This study was completed in June 2020.
SR 72 at Farm Lane - HAWK Signal
A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, or HAWK (High Intensity Activated Cross Walk) signal is a traffic control device intended to warn and control traffic at pedestrian
crossing locations. This traffic control device is different from a traditional traffic signal. The HAWK consists of a Red-Yellow-Red signal indication for motorists.
The signal remains dark until a pedestrian activates the system by pressing a button. First, a FLASHING YELLOW light warns motorists that a pedestrian is present.
The signal then changes to SOLID YELLOW, alerting drivers to prepare to stop. The signal then turns SOLID RED and provides a "WALK" symbol to the pedestrian.
The signal then begins ALTERNATING FLASHING RED and the pedestrian is shown a flashing "DON'T WALK" with a countdown timer. Drivers are allowed to proceed during the
flashing red after coming to a full stop and making sure there is no danger to pedestrians.
- The HAWK Has Come to Delaware - August 2, 2009
- Rt. 72 HAWK Article from MASITE Interconnect - June 2010
- Pedestrian Hybrid-Beacon (HAWK) Video & Brochure
Philadelphia Pike Pedestrian Safety Study
The Philadelphia Pike Pedestrian Safety Study was a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort to evaluate existing pedestrian
accommodations during typical weekday and weekend conditions on Philadelphia Pike between Lea Boulevard and the Delaware / Pennsylvania
State Line. An in-depth investigation was conducted to identify problem locations and develop short-term, mid-term, and long-term
recommendations for improvements. Short-term improvements are those that can be implemented in 0-2 years through other projects
(e.g. pave & rehab) or through relatively low impact/low cost projects. Long-term projects are those that require additional engineering,
coordination, public review, and establishment of funding sources. Therefore, these improvements have been prioritized based on a review
of pedestrian crash history, pedestrian frequency, and transit ridership to prioritize resources. The study was completed in January 2018.
- Philadelphia Pike Pedestrian Safety Study
- Philadelphia Pike Existing Conditions Figures
- Improvement Matrix
- Philadelphia Pike Public Workshop Display boards
- Philadelphia Pike Road Diet Concept
Other Pedestrian Safety Projects
View map of recent study areas
SR 1, Dewey Beach, Anchor Way to Bayard Avenue Pedestrian Access Routes (PAR) ADA Assessment Report
Route 1 Pedestrian Safety Task Force Report
HAWK Pedestrian Signal Compliance Review
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Compliance
US 13 /US 40 corridor from Langollen Boulevard/Wilton Boulevard near New Castle to A Street in Wilmington
US 202 (Concord Pike) - Naamans Road to Rocky Run Parkway, Pedestrian Access Route Improvements
Union Street Rapid Reconfiguration
SR 48 (Lancaster Avenue) from West Court Drive to North DuPont Road
NOTE: These improvements are currently in design and construction of these improvements is expected to occur in FY 2019
US 202 (Concord Pike) - Whitby Drive to Righter Parkway
