Warrant #5. A total of 62 pedestrians were observed crossing Far Hills Avenue during the highest crossing hour (3:15PM – 4:15PM). The OMUTCD states that the need for a traffic signal shall be considered when there is a minimum of 20 schoolchildren (i.e., elementary through high school students) during the highest crossing hour. Assuming 67% of the pedestrians (i.e., 41 pedestrians) during the highest crossing hour are high school students, the criteria needed to perform warrant #5 is qualified. This assumption is reasonable due to the location of Oakwood Junior and Senior High School at this intersection.
Gap analysis was performed using a Poisson Distribution methodology to determine if an acceptable number of gaps are available to cross Far Hills Avenue at the AM, midday, and PM peak hours. Acceptable numbers of gaps to accommodate pedestrians are assumed to be one per minute (60 gaps per hour). The available number of gaps is dependent on total bidirectional volume on Far Hills Avenue, crossing distance from curb ramp to curb ramp (measured at 50 ft), and walking speed (3.5 ft/s was assumed). The available gaps during peak hours were calculated using the following equation:
Where:
- λ = Total bidirectional volume at Harman Ave
- t = Crossing Time = 50 ft 3.5 ft/s = 14.2 seconds
The resulting number of gaps for each peak hour volume are shown in Figure 10C.