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3.7D Pedestrian crossings

Raised Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossings

Raised pedestrian crossing

Raised pedestrian and bicycle crossings combine a speed hump with a crossing point.

Introduction

Raised pedestrian and bicycle crossings, also known as raised crossings or raised crosswalks, elevate the pedestrian or bicycle crossing closer to the level of the sidewalk.

Raised crossings are intended to support traffic safety, improve yielding rates to crossing pedestrians and bicyclists, and make a more attractive and comfortable pedestrian and bicycle environment. They can provide these benefits:

Raised crossings differ from raised intersections, which raise an entire intersection. The Street Design Guide does not include guidance for raised intersections at this time given their more limited potential application.

Figure 3.7D.4:
Raised pedestrian and bicycle crossings

Raised crossings graphic

Design Considerations

When to Use
  1. Raised pedestrian and bicycle crossings should generally be included with street reconstruction projects at busy pedestrian crossings, sidewalk-level protected bike lanes, or shared use paths when they cross an Urban Neighborhood  street, except at specific intersections where they are not technically feasible due to physical constraints. 
  2. Raised crossings should be particularly prioritized with two-way protected bike lanes or shared use paths along busier streets (such as Mixed Use street types) when there are unprotected left turns across the bikeway.
  3. Raised crossings should be considered for busy pedestrian and bicycle crossings across Parkways. 
  4. Raised crossings are still be evaluating for use at signalized intersections. Conflicts with accessible pedestrian signal poles can present challenges at signalized locations.
  5. Raised crossings generally should not be included across street types other than Urban Neighborhood and Parkway. Raised crossings without a speed hump element can be considered for busy pedestrian and bicycle crossings across busier streets (such as Mixed Use street types) where there is a desire to increase visibility and comfort of the crossing, especially at midblock crossings.
  6. Raised crossings can be considered for street retrofit projects, although cost and drainage factors will limit their use in retrofits. 

Drainage

Drainage challenges may limit the feasibility of using a raised pedestrian and bicycle crossing and need to be considered early in the design process.  

Speed hump element
  1. Raised pedestrian and bicycle crossings should typically be designed with a speed hump element that supports safe speeds at or below the target speeds at the location. To encourage slower speeds, drivers should notice a vertical difference when crossing over the raised crossing. The specific slope of a raised crossing should be determined based on local context, including drainage and nearby street grades.

    • At stop-controlled locations, the speed hump should generally be designed to slow traffic turning across the crossing and to support compliance with the stop sign.

    • At signal-controlled and midblock locations, the speed hump should generally be designed to support speeds up to the posted speed limit.

  2. Raised crossings without a speed hump element can be considered for some pedestrian and bicycle crossings across busier streets (such as Mixed Use street types), especially at midblock crossings.

Height

Raised crossings should generally be between 3" and 6" tall to minimize the vertical difference of the pedestrian and bicycle crossing. The height of a specific raised crossing should be determined based on local factors, including drainage and nearby street grades. 

Detectable warning strip

Detectable warning strips (typically made of truncated domes) must be installed on the edge of sidewalk to alert users that they are about to enter the roadway. See MnDOT’s current curb ramp guidelines, curb ramp standard plans, and other design guidance and standards for details on constructing detectable warnings.

Markings and signage
  1.  The raised crossing should generally include visual elements to heighten awareness of pedestrians and bicyclists and differentiate it from the roadway. This may include:
    • Use of colored concrete that matches the adjacent bikeway or sidewalk and differentiates from rest of the roadway;
    • Speed hump markings;
    • Use of green bikeway conflict zone markings;
    • Marked crosswalks, which are standard at signalized and midblock crossings and should be considered at other raised crossings as well.
  2. If a speed hump element is included with the raised crossing, standard speed hump markings and “BUMP” roadway marking or “BUMP” signage should be included. ​​​​​​

Width

 The top of the raised crossing should generally be as wide as the sidewalk or bikeway plus 1’ on each side if feasible.

Midblock crossings

See NACTO guidance for midblock crosswalks for additional considerations.

Coordinate with Fire Department

It’s important that the raised crossing is designed to ensure that fire truck access is maintained. Work with Fire department staff on details for new raised crossings.  

Consider ambulance traffic

 On routes where there is significant ambulance traffic, ensure that the design will not disrupt EMS response. 

Notification for winter plowing

Ensure that Transportation Maintenance and Repair staff are aware of new raised crossings so plow drivers can plan accordingly. 

Evaluation

Raised crossings are still being evaluated; this guidance may evolve in the future with further evaluation.