This summer the Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) will modify the signal timing at the Montgomery Road and Lester Road intersection in Pleasant Ridge to add an innovative “pedestrian-only” signal phase.

A pedestrian-only signal phase allows pedestrians at all legs of an intersection to cross simultaneously, while all vehicular traffic has a red light (and right turns on red are prohibited at all times). This creates a completely protected pedestrian crossing phase. Vehicles may not move at all while pedestrians are crossing.

The intersection of Montgomery Road and Lester Road is adjacent to the Pleasant Ridge Montessori elementary school. The Pleasant Ridge neighborhood has long been concerned about pedestrian safety at this intersection and DOTE has implemented several efforts to improve safety, including the installation of school flashers and No Right Turn on Red on School Days signage.

The addition of a pedestrian-only signal phase will result in longer red lights for vehicles, longer wait times for pedestrians to receive a “walk” signal, and may increase congestion along Montgomery Road. However, given the presence of the adjacent elementary school, and the number of near-miss incidents occurring between turning vehicles and pedestrians, DOTE believes this is the best tool to improve pedestrian safety at this intersection.

Montgomery Road and Lester Road will become only the third intersection in the city with a pedestrian-only signal phase. DOTE will monitor the intersection and collect feedback from the community and school to determine the success of the change. DOTE intends to expand the use of this tool throughout the city over the next 12 months.