WGI performed the S WW White Rd & Boxwood Rd Pedestrian Safety Study to address growing safety concerns at a busy intersection in a residential and transit-dependent area. The intersection, located just east of downtown, sees consistent vehicle traffic and regular pedestrian crossings, despite lacking marked crosswalks or traffic control devices. With two VIA bus stops positioned on opposite sides of S WW White Road and no nearby crosswalk, many pedestrians cross mid-block, often waiting in travel lanes for traffic to clear.
To evaluate conditions, the project team conducted field observations, traffic counts, and a crash analysis capturing 6+ years. Overall crash data pointed to patterns of distracted driving and failure to yield highlighting safety concerns beyond just pedestrian volumes. Observations confirmed that people were crossing unsafely out of necessity, especially given the lack of accessible infrastructure.
The study determined that while pedestrian volumes did not meet the threshold for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, the area still warranted improvements. Recommendations include installing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) and a pedestrian refuge island at the mid-block location south of Boxwood Road. These upgrades aim to create a safer, more predictable crossing for pedestrians without significantly disrupting traffic flow. The project reflects the city’s continued focus on improving mobility and reducing conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians in high-risk corridors.
Since WW White Road falls within TxDOT right-of-way, close coordination with TxDOT was required from the outset of the project. WGI provided full design services, including the layout of the overhead RRFB, ADA-compliant pedestrian connectivity, and limited drainage improvements, all developed with funding constraints in mind. The design process also included utility coordination and engagement with VIA. Given the limited right-of-way and proximity to existing bus stops, pole placement required variances that were proactively coordinated with utility agencies and the construction contractor to avoid field delays and cost overruns. To further reduce construction challenges, plans were shared with the contractor for review during design. WGI worked closely with the City to meet a compressed project schedule, combining design phases and expediting deliverables to align with funding deadlines.
Project Highlights:
- Crash behavior analysis
- ADA and drainage improvements
- Proactive interagency coordination
- Streamlined design schedule to meet tight funding deadlines
- Resolved ROW and pole placement challenges during design phase
- Cost estimates
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