(Little Rock AR – Wednesday, November 23, 2005). Pedestrians crossing on the north side of the Markham & Broadway intersection will soon have to make the crossing on the south side of Markham. Due to the volume of cars turning northbound onto Broadway from Markham, crossing on the north side has become a hazardous situation. According to Bill Henry, Traffic Engineering Manager for the City of Little Rock, “Too often the motorists will be watching oncoming traffic to make the turn, and will not be mindful of pedestrians in the crosswalk.”

In order to improve pedestrian safety at this crossing, Traffic Engineering, in consultation with the City Attorney's office and the City Manager's office, has designed new pedestrian access plan for persons crossing Broadway.

Pedestrians going across Broadway on weekdays between the hours of 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM will cross on the south side of the intersection (between the Jeffrey Hawkins Building and the Pulaski County Courthouse). Crossing on the north side of the intersection will be prohibited (between City Hall and Robinson Center Music Hall). This is the access plan that has been in effect between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM for the past few years at this intersection. With pedestrians crossing Broadway only on the south side of the intersection, there will be no pedestrian/vehicle conflicts with left turning vehicles onto Broadway.

During the non-peak hours between 6 PM and 6 AM, and Saturday and Sundays, the east and westbound signals will operate simultaneously, allowing movement from both directions. Pedestrians will be able to cross at either side, given the appropriate permissive pedestrian signal.

Signal phasing will be modified for east and westbound traffic to increase pedestrian safety in the intersection. Henry noted, “Signal displays will inform the pedestrians as well as the motoring public.”

The proposed changes will take place on Monday November 28th.

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