New Pilot Project to Improve Pedestrian Safety at Intersections
Apr 17, 2023
CINCINNATI – The City of Cincinnati has begun installing “hardened centerlines” to calm traffic and make crosswalks safer for pedestrians.
Hardened centerlines are small rubber barriers next to crosswalks that require drivers to make slower, squarer left-hand turns. The barrier also prevents drivers from crossing the double yellow centerline. This small change has been shown to significantly improve safety for people in the crosswalk.
In Washington, D.C., hardened centerline installations were associated with a 70% reduction in conflicts between left-turning vehicles and pedestrians.
“This new tool will help calm traffic and make it easier for pedestrians to cross the street,” said Mayor Aftab Pureval. “We’re thrilled to implement a measure that has proven success in cities across the country, and we're dedicated to doing what it takes to make Cincinnati safer for everyone who uses our public spaces.”
Hardened centerlines are being installed at 11 locations in Cincinnati:
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Jefferson and Corry
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Montana and Boudinot
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Queen City and Boudinot
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Glenway and Grand
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Clifton and Ludlow
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Reading and Kinsey
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Vine and Erkenbrecher
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Burnet and Kasota
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Burnet and Sabin
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Vine and Seymour
These initial locations are part of a pilot project to determine which types of intersections benefit the most from the treatment. The city collected data at each location prior to the beginning of construction to determine how often drivers were crossing the double yellow centerline.
Data collected at the intersection of Montana and Boudinot before the hardened centerline installation showed over 30% of vehicles crossed the double yellow line when making a left turn.
The city will collect “after” data later this spring and plans to expand the use of hardened centerlines later this year.
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