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This report provides updates on the study evaluating ADA accessibility at roundabouts, including the status of the lawsuit, implementation of pedestrian signals, and the ongoing HAWK and RRFB studies. It discusses the operational aspects of the HAWK system, data collection methods, study phases, and timeline for installations and tests. The report also covers ADA compliance efforts by RCOC, conflicts, and key agenda points. Questions, background information, example measurements for pedestrians and vehicles, study costs, and collaborative efforts with FHWA are detailed within this comprehensive status report.
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STATUS REPORT:STUDY TO EVALUATE ADA ACCESIBILITY AT ROUNDABOUTS ITE Roundabout Task Force Meeting June 10,2009 Thomas G. Blust, P.E. Director of Engineering
Maple at Drake North
ADA Roundabout Lawsuit Status • Gersen vs. RCOC filed August 2007 - Claims Difficulty for Sight Impaired and Severely Handicapped Pedestrians • Disappointing. Prior to Suit, RCOC had met many times with pedestrian activist groups, including blind and Orthodox Jewish communities. Issues were being addressed. • Maple/Drake Roundabout (and all RCOC Rbts) Meets all Published and approved ADA Requirements
ADA Roundabout Lawsuit Status • Stipulated Order to Stay Proceedings Until RCOC Installs Pedestrian Signals and Studies them for a Year • Puts a hold on the legal action • Subsequently, RCOC has agreed to study: • HAWK Signal (High intensity Activated crosswalk) • RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) • Study Will Last at Least One Year • RCOC received approval from FHWA for the HAWK at this location (experimental) • RRFB has Interim Approval in Michigan (not in the MUTCD)
Study Measures • By WMU and NCSU • Data Collection: using visual, video, and mechanical means (computer analyzed). Pedestrian Measures • Use of blind peds with an O&M specialist • Numerous variables will be analyzed including: • Gap Acceptance, Live Crossings & Indicator Crossings • Vehicle Measures • Understanding of HAWK • Yield Rate with and w/o Signal • Vehicle Delay • Vehicle Queuing & Impacts • Accidents
ADA Study phases • Ph I – pre-installation of the HAWK or RRFB (Maple/Drake June 2009) • Ph II – shortly after HAWK or RRFB installation • Ph III – 3-6 months after installation.
Status of Study • Maple/Drake HAWKs • Bid be opened June 9, 2009 • Pre-test in June (WMU, NCSU) • Installation in July/August • Post-test in September and Nov. or Spring • Maple/Farmington RRFBs • Installation in early 2010 • Repeat tests done for HAWK • Final Report due in late-2010*
Final Report Issues • Stipulated Order – Federal Court maintains control • Others have interest: • Plaintiff • WMU, NCSU
ADA Background • 1968 -bldgs. (Rehabilitation Act) • 1973 - curb ramps ( “ “ ) • 1990 - prohibit discrimination, regardless of funding • 2005 - Draft Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAC)
RCOC’s ADA Compliance Effort • Developed an ADA Cheat Sheet • Training • Team ADA • Permits, Construction, Signals, Traffic Engineering, Design, and Deputy Managing Director • Adopt policies and procedures • Integrate ADA into project delivery • Review common problems • Develop lines of communication • Working Closely with FHWA
Agenda • Northwestern Hwy.Connector Intro • ADA Background • RCOC’s ADA Compliance Effort • ADA Lawsuit • HAWK • RRFB • Study Status
Example Pedestrian Measurements • Indicator trials (Ped. Does not Cross) • Gap judgement assessment • Actual Crossings (w/ O&M Specialist) • Judgement of yielding behavior
Example Vehicle Measurements • Arrival time when xing is indicated or started • O&M interventions • Volumes, Delays and Ques • Driver Compliance (including video and computer analysis of slowing)
ADA Study Costs • HAWK $167K (4 legs, 3x2 rbt) • RRFB $80K? (4 legs, 16 signs) • Accessibility Study • Maple/Drake (HAWK) - $90K? • Maple/Farmington (RRFB) – $80K?