Marked Crosswalk Policy

Guidelines for Marking Crosswalks

SDOT’s policy on marked crosswalks has evolved significantly in recent years, based in large part upon a 2002 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study on the safety of marked crosswalks. This study summarized the situations in which a marked crosswalk with no traffic signal or other form of traffic control can actually increase the likelihood of a pedestrian-vehicle collision compared to having no marked crosswalk. We have used the results of the study to help us develop a marked crosswalk policy that is now consistent with what we consider the most current national guidelines.

These guidelines on marked crosswalks have been adopted by SDOT in the form of a Director's Rule which can be viewed here. The original FHWA study can be viewed here.

For additional information about SDOT's Marked Crosswalk Program, click here.