Jerrod KingeryCrosswalks across the state of Utah are being upgraded with first-in-the-nation technology to improve accessibility.
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is installing radar-enabled crosswalk buttons which are triggered by movement, like nodding or waving or activation via an app, to assist pedestrians.
This accessible pedestrian signal (APS) technology then alerts pedestrians through an audio feature, utilizing verbal statements like “wait” and “walk sign is on.”
Pedestrians can use the PedApp to activate a crosswalk button. The app also provides pedestrians a map of existing and planned APS buttons, live information at crosswalks, the amount of walking time remaining and the street name and direction they’re heading.
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UDOT says these APS crosswalks utilize innovative technology to help people with varying disabilities safely, confidently and independently cross streets, such as a feature in the app that helps sight-limited pedestrians locate the crosswalk button.
So far, UDOT has upgraded over 1,000 buttons at nearly 250 intersections. They plan to install APS technology at every intersection with a signal on state routes by 2023.
UDOT says the APS signal upgrades have taken place on all state-managed streets in Moab and Cedar City, and is expanding to Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo and Logan.
The public is invited to participate in the installation process by flagging areas they believe UDOT should prioritize. Utahans can submit a form online to notify UDOT which crosswalks they believe need APS technology.
Photo by Justus Hinz on Unsplash
