Inclusive Design
Street lights and signals at corners must be sited so that they do not obstruct pedestrian ramps, ensuring sufficient access to the sidewalk for all pedestrians, including those using mobility devices. At crossings, the height of Accessible Pedestrian Signals must be reachable by a person using a mobility device, at a preferred height of 42 inches and a maximum height of 48 inches (review ADA Standards for Accessible Design).
Resiliency
Existing foundations at traffic signal locations in certain flood-vulnerable areas are being replaced with coastal storm foundations that incorporate a square concrete pedestal raising the electrical components above some flood depths. The City’s Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines provide guidance on height. The pedestal is monolithically poured with the foundation. Raising the base of the traffic signals or street light poles reduces the chance that the electrical components of the poles will be submerged in salt water during future flooding events. Additionally, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) conduit, a more cost-effective material that is not susceptible to corrosion from residual salt water after storm surge events, is replacing galvanized steel for all signal locations and street light locations in flood-vulnerable areas.
DOT is also testing solar-powered lighting at select locations in flood-prone areas. If these applications are successful, solar lighting could reduce the amount of time without street lighting after major flood events.