Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFB)

EDC-4 STEP: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc_4/step.cfm

SB Far Hills Avenue @ south Xwalk rendering showing pedestrian crosswalk with Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons

CONSIDERATIONS

FHWA has issued interim approval for the use of the RRFB (IA-21). State and local agencies must request and receive permission to use this interim approval before they can use the RRFB. IA-21 does not provide guidance or criteria based on number of lanes, speed, or traffic volumes.

RRFBs are placed on both ends of a crosswalk. If the crosswalk contains a pedestrian refuge island or other type of median, an RRFB should be placed to the right of the crosswalk and on the median (instead of the left side of the crosswalk).

RRFBs typically draw power from standalone solar panel units, but may also be wired to a traditional power source. IA-21 provides conditions for the use of accessible pedestrian features with the RRFB assembly. When RRFBs are not in common use in a community, consider conducting an outreach effort to educate the public and law enforcement officers on their purpose and use.

COST

The cost associated with RRFB installation ranges from $4,500 to $52,000 each, with the average cost estimated at $22,250. These costs include the complete system installation with labor and materials.

References

  • MUTCD section 2B.12 In-Street and Overhead Pedestrian Crossing Signs (R1-6, R1-6a, R1-9, and R1-9a).
  • Fitzpatrick, K., M. Brewer, R. Avelar, and T. Lindheimer. "Will You Stop for Me? Roadway Design and Traffic Control Device Influences on Drivers Yielding to Pedestrians in a Crosswalk with a Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon." Report No. TTI-CTS-0010. Texas A&M Transportation Institute, College Station, Texas. June 2016. https://static.tti.tamu.edu/tti.tamu.edu/documents/TTI-CTS-0010.pdf
  • Federal Highway Administration. (2018). MUTCD – Interim Approval for Optional Use of Pedestrian-Actuated Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons at Uncontrolled Marked Crosswalks (IA-21). U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC.
  • Federal Highway Administration. (2013). “Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon” in PEDSAFE: Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System. Available: http://www.pedbikesafe.org/PEDSAFE/countermeasures_detail.cfm?CM_NUM=54
  • Bushell, M., Poole, B., Zegeer, C., & Rodriguez, D. (2013). Costs for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Infrastructure Improvements: A Resource for Researchers, Engineers, Planners, and the General Public. Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center.