3D Crossings to Improve Pedestrian Safety

As part of a pedestrian safety project, Northern Beaches Council implemented a 3D crossing at 3 locations along Manly Beach front.

Northern Beaches Council wanted to improve outcomes and data for local area traffic management schemes around the council area. Specifically, they wanted to determine the success of changing the speed limit in the suburb of Manly to 30km/h.

The Manly CBD was chosen as one of two initial trial areas for a 30km/h speed limit. It was implemented in 2 stages:

1. Speed zone implementation
2. Infrastructure to provide self-enforcing behaviour of drivers

Stage 2 of the project used Compass data to assist in the development of treatment types and to monitor the post-installation effects. One of the self-enforcing infrastructures implemented by the council was a series of 3-dimensional crossings. It was the first time Transport for NSW had been asked to approve one.

The above photo shows one of the crossing locations using Nearmap Imagery to get a clearer aerial view of the crossings. 

The council used Compass data to analyse the treatment effects in combination with video cameras to verify any data outputs and other behaviours.

When comparing video footage before and after the treatment, the council found that the installation of the crossing led to an increase in heavy braking. The 3D crossing had the desired effect of drivers slowing down. Prior to implementing the 3D design, drivers were not braking on the approach to the pedestrian crossings. 

The council also found that the unique design caused pedestrians to look up from their phones as they approached the crossing, leading to more awareness from both road and road side users. Below is an example of braking and speed data on the approach to one of the 3D crossings.