Arizona Department of Transportation

October 24, 2002

We have reviewed the document, and the following is a summation of comments from the Arizona Department of Transportation's Traffic Group:

As all Traffic Engineers, we at ADOT Traffic Group
understand the need for and support increased safety specifications and guidelines for physically challenged and physically impaired public. But we are concerned that the draft guidelines as written and proposed will have a considerable and severe impact on our budget and operational capacity, that would make it extremely challenging for us to comply with all the demands mandated. Here are some points of concern that we have :

1- The change of signal timing to use 3 feet/second. We use
4 feet/second. Re-timing signals will be a considerable costly change, not to mention the negative impact on coordination and other phase timings.

2- Proposing audible and vibrating indications on all signed pedestrian crossings (those that have a walk or such indication). This would be a significant strain on our budget in order to comply with it. In addition to the installation of the equipment, maintenance and training of personnel to maintain the equipment, will be a continuing drain on our very limited resources.

3- Restrictions on pull boxes in the ramps may require additional conduit. This also will be an additional drain on very limited resources.

4- Although we have a minimal amount of roundabouts on State right of way, the concept of signalized roundabouts is somewhat defeating to the purpose of roundabouts.