Comparative analysis of various pedestrian-crossing facilities on highways and the selection of a cost-effective facility by maximizing the benefit-cost ratio

Abstract

In high-density pedestrian crossflow locations, pedestrians considerably affect the vehicle flow. On arterial roads where speed is the main concern, unanticipated pedestrian crossings generate conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, thereby creating congestion and increasing the travel time cost. In this study, the viability of various pedestrian crossing facilities is evaluated in terms of the flow characteristics and benefit-cost ratio (BCR). Grade-separated pedestrian crossing facilities offer high mobility and save travel time costs for vehicles; however, these are sometimes discouraged because of high construction costs. The optimal crossing facility is determined by comparing the travel time costs for both the vehicles and pedestrians. This study argues that grade-separated crossings yield a superior BCR in areas with limited pedestrian traffic, whereas in densely pedestrianized areas, pedestrian signals boast the highest BCR among all pedestrian crossing facilities. These findings will improve the planning of cost-effective pedestrian crossing facilities.