Every walking trip involves crossing streets. Intersections are generally more complex than midblock crossings, requiring careful design to provide safe movement for all road users.
Designing safe, convenient and appropriate pedestrian facilities at intersections requires understanding of Safe System principles and the legal obligations of all road users. These principles and legal obligations apply to both midblock crossings and intersections. . Refer to section 3.4.1 Crossings introduction in:
PNG: Crossings [PDF, 4.6 MB]
In general, safe system aligned pedestrian measures:
- separate pedestrians from motor vehicles, or
- ensure impact speeds are at or below 30km/h.
Section 3.5 includes:
- Intersection selection
Choosing an appropriate intersection layout and control, and providing appropriate pedestrian facilities will ensure the safety and accessibility needs of pedestrians are met.
- Intersection design principles
A range of design principles contribute to creating safe and appropriate crossing facilities at intersections.
- Uncontrolled and priority controlled intersections
Uncontrolled and priority controlled intersections are the most common intersection type in urban environments. They generally require supporting treatments to assist pedestrians to cross.
- Signalised intersections
Signalised intersections generally provide a pedestrian phase segregated from vehicles.
- Roundabouts
Roundabouts are controlled intersections where vehicles travel in a clockwise direction around a central island. Roundabouts generally require supporting treatments to assist pedestrians to cross.
- Left turn slip lanes
In urban areas, left turn slip lanes are not recommended and other intersection layouts should be considered because of their disbenefits to pedestrians.
- Accessway intersections
Some vehicle accesses to public roads can be designed as an intersection. This requires particular consideration for pedestrians who may not be aware that intersection controls apply.
Download the Intersections section of the Design chapter [PDF, 3 MB]
