Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossing

MIDBLOCK PEDESTRIAN BLOCK.png

Many neighborhoods in Brentwood were developed when sidewalks were not required and prior to the focus on development of multi-use trails and other bike and pedestrian facilities.  As a result, safe pedestrian facilities are limited or completely lacking in many areas of the community.

Providing expanded pedestrian opportunities to access schools, parks, and commercial districts is an objective of the Brentwood 2030 plan, but retrofitting existing developed areas is extremely difficult or impossible due to the impacts on private property.  In locations where facilities are available, they are often only on one side of the road.  

Installation of mid-block pedestrian crossings (defined as a marked pedestrian crossing that does not include a traffic signal or a stop sign that requires motor vehicles to stop before entering the crosswalk) provides an opportunity to improve pedestrian connectivity throughout the community, but such crossings are not appropriate in all circumstances and must be considered carefully to insure pedestrian safety is not compromised and vehicular traffic is not overly impacted.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Mid-Block Crossing Policy(PDF, 540KB)  is to outline the conditions and process for determining where mid-block pedestrian crossings may be installed and the appropriate pavement markings and signage for such crossings.  The objective of this policy is to provide safe and efficient pedestrian crossing facilities at appropriate locations that can reduce vehicle trips by providing access to traffic generators such as schools, parks, multi-use trails, commercial centers, etc.

Complete details are provided in the policy, but the primary factors that will be considered in determining whether a mid-block crossing is appropriate under the policy include:  

  • Minimum pedestrian volume;
  • Minimum  and maximum vehicular volumes;
  • Posted speed limit;
  • Location of nearest controlled crossing;
  • Geometry of the location including driver sight distance;
  • Presence of street lighting; and,
  • ADA accessibility

Note that for obvious safety reasons, mid-block crossings may not be considered on state highways (Concord Road, Franklin Road, Moores Lane, and Wilson Pike) or streets that carry more than 15,000 vehicles per day.  Also, the policy requires that there be sufficient pedestrian facilities on each side of the proposed crossing location to allow for safe pedestrian access to and from the crossing. 

The consideration for installation of a mid-block pedestrian crossing at or in close proximity to a neighborhood entrance will be initiated by a written request from the homeowner’s association representing the affected neighborhood to the City of Brentwood’s Public Works Department.  If no homeowner’s association exists for the neighborhood, the request may come from a petition signed by residents representing 20% of the homes in a neighborhood located within a 1,000 foot radius of the proposed crossing point.  The request must specifically identify the location of the requested mid-block pedestrian crossing.   The consideration for installation of a mid-block pedestrian crossing within a commercial area may be initiated by a petition from a minimum of 20 employees who work within a 1,000 foot radius of the proposed crossing point.  For a proposed crossing located adjacent to a school, the request must come from the principal of the school or the President of the Parent Teacher Organization.  

 

 

Back to top