APS Design in New Construction
Draft PROWAG
Revised Draft Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (Draft PROWAG) were released on November 23, 2005. While Draft PROWAG has not been published as a final rule, it should be considered as the best guidance available at this time (Isler memo, 2006).
APS Characteristics
The Draft PROWAG requires APS with the following features in new construction and reconstruction where pedestrian signals are installed:
- APS devices integral with the pushbutton
- Audible and vibrotactile indications of the WALK interval
- WALK indication by tone or speech message
- Pushbutton locator tone wherever there is a pedestrian pushbutton
- Pushbutton that is a minimum of 0.5 cm (2 in) across in one direction and that contrasts visually with its housing or mounting
- Tactile arrow indicating the direction of travel on the crosswalk, and
- Braille or verbal information about the name of the street.
Optional features
The Draft PROWAG states that an extended button press shall be permitted to activate additional features. However, no information is provided which specifies what those features may include (see Chapter 4 for discussion of extended button press and possible features).
Location in new construction
Figure 6-7. APS installation in new construction
The Draft PROWAG specifies that APS devices shall be located as follows:
- In such a way that the vibrotactile feature can be contacted from the level landing of a curb ramp, or from clear ground space in line with the crosswalk line adjacent to the vehicle stop line,
- Within specified reach ranges from a level landing,
- 3 m (10 ft) minimum from other APS at the crossing, with an exception to that distance for devices installed on medians, and
- With control face of the device installed facing the intersection, parallel to the direction of the crosswalk it serves.
- Clear floor or ground space at the pushbutton shall connect to or overlap the pedestrian access route.
MUTCD recommended locations
MUTCD recommendations do not specify the locations for new construction in the same manner, but are substantially the same as locations required in new construction and reconstruction by Draft PROWAG. MUTCD 4E.09 states
"Pushbuttons for accessible pedestrian signals should be located… as follows:
- Adjacent to a level all-weather surface to provide access from a wheelchair, and where there is an all-weather surface, wheelchair accessible route to the ramp;
- Within 1.5 m (5 ft) of the crosswalk extended;
- Within 3 m (10 ft) of the edge of the curb, shoulder, or pavement; and
- Parallel to the crosswalk to be used."
APS locations
Figure 6-8. Ideal placement for pushbutton-integrated APS
APS locations
Figure 6-9. Acceptable placement for pushbutton-integrated APS
Location details
Figure 6-10. The APS should be located on the intersection side of the pole, as shown in this photo
Figure 6-11. The MUTCD states that the APS should be within 5 feet of the crosswalk line extended
Figure 6-12. The APS should be within 10 feet of the curb
Installation Example
Figure 6-13. APS installed in this reconstruction location are in accordance with the Draft PROWAG in that they are beside a level landing and separated from each other by at least 3 m. Both APS are located on the intersection side of their poles.