MAYOR ELICKER ANNOUNCES NEW TRAFFIC SAFETY CHANGES AT MAJOR INTERSECTIONS AND EXPANDED USE OF LEADING PEDESTRIAN INTERVAL CROSSWALKS IN EFFORT TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND[...]

The new changes and technology are now in place at 13 intersections with more to follow with new projects, as part of the Elm City's larger Safe Routes for All traffic safety initiative.

Residents urged to exercise caution while acclimating to new crosswalk and traffic signal changes.

[NEW HAVEN, CT]- As part of the City of New Haven's ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow, today Mayor Justin Elicker announced traffic control and safety changes to thirteen of the Elm City's busiest intersections with additional intersections to follow in the future. These changes include a shift from exclusive pedestrian phasing signalized intersections to concurrent pedestrian phasing signalized intersections and the expanded use of Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) technology, with the goals of ensuring pedestrian safety and improving traffic flow.

Previously at these intersections, pedestrians crossed the street while vehicles stopped at all approaches - known as an exclusive pedestrian phasing signalized intersection. Now at these intersections, pedestrians will cross the street while the parallel vehicle traffic can proceed in the same direction - known as a concurrent pedestrian phasing signalized intersection. Motorists, cyclists, and other riders traveling in parallel may also turn right or left across the pedestrian crosswalks but must continue to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks. However, "turns on red" from vehicles traveling perpendicularly are not permitted at concurrent pedestrian phase intersections.

Coupled with the change to concurrent pedestrian phasing, the city is employing Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) technology at these same intersections and crosswalks. LPI crosswalks provide pedestrians with a three (3) to second (7) second head start before parallel motorists are provided with a green light. LPI crosswalks enhance pedestrian safety by enabling pedestrians to establish a clear right-of-way presence in the crosswalk, increasing the visibility of crossing pedestrians to turning vehicles, reducing potential conflicts between people walking and turning vehicles - especially for those who may be slower to start crossing an intersection such as families with young children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. LPI crosswalks have been shown to reduce pedestrian-vehicle crashes by 13 percent and are a proven safety countermeasure in reducing serious injuries and fatalities resulting from crashes, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.

Taken together, these changes represent a significant shift in how residents have used and navigated these intersections, and residents are urged to take extra precautions as these "all car traffic stops" walk signals are replaced with the "walk in same direction as traffic" LPI technology walk signals.

"We want pedestrians to be able to safely and comfortably cross the street while also allowing motorists and cyclists to safely and efficiently get to where they need to go. These changes aim to strike that balance by providing pedestrians with the extra time and peace of mind they need to safely cross the street from one side to the other while also allowing vehicle traffic to flow in a safe and more streamlined manner," said Mayor Elicker. "At the same time, we recognize this represents a significant change in how walk signals and traffic signals operate at these intersections, and it's important for us to get the word out and inform residents so they are aware of this shift and can acclimate and adhere to these changes."

To date, the city has implemented concurrent pedestrian phasing signalized intersections and installed LPI technology at the following thirteen (13) intersections:

• Chapel Street: College Street, High Street, York Street, Park Street, Dwight Street
• Crown Street: High Street, York Street, Park Street
• George Street: Park Street, Howe Street, Dwight Street
• Sherman Avenue: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and South Frontage Road

Several projects currently under construction that will also be finalized with LPI technology, including the Lower State Street Redesign Project, Whitney Avenue Improvement Project, and Chapel Street Two-Way Conversion Project.

As the city implements these new traffic signal controls and crosswalk changes, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users (such as persons on mopeds and scooters), are all urged to adhere to all traffic safety laws. Motorists, cyclists, and other vehicle road users are also reminded they most always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, as per state law, and also to exercise additional caution with vulnerable road users. Pedestrians are reminded not cross diagonally at any intersection.

Alongside these new changes and LPI-technology, the city - led by the city's Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking (TT&P) - is engaging in a general public awareness and education campaign on this initiative, including the installation of new signage at LPI crosswalks and other educational materials (see attached flyer) and initiatives. Residents and organizations can also contact TT&P to set up additional traffic safety educational opportunities at (203) 946-8075.

These changes represent the latest in the city's broader pedestrian safety improvement efforts, which also include accessibility improvements, signal upgrades, and safer street designs. Other related safety initiatives include the forthcoming implementation of Red Light and Speed Safety Cameras (15 locations in 2026) and the installation of School Bus Safety Cameras on all 330 New Haven Public School buses, among other efforts.

Residents can learn more about ongoing pedestrian safety and traffic signal projects at newhavenct.gov/ttp or saferoutesforall.org.

Flyer: What is a Leading Pedestrian Interval?

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