Increased CrossWalk Safety

 

City of Houston Houston Public Works Media Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 04/25/2023 View this email in your browser

The City of Houston Increases Crosswalk Accessibility HOUSTON - The city of Houston is improving safety and access to help people with vision loss cross street intersections in the downtown area. Houston Public Works has installed Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) with audible sounds, vibrations and messages to assist people crossing an intersection. The audio alerts commuters when the “walk” interval begins and ends. The signal installations will be complete in time for the National Federation of the Blind for its 2023 National Convention in downtown Houston this July. The event is considered one of the largest gatherings of people who are blind in the world. Houston Public Works is also working to add braille messaging to the Accessible Pedestrian Signals in the future. Signs and push buttons are placed along traffic signal poles at intersections surrounding the George R. Brown Convention Center (see map below). Accessible Pedestrian Signals were previously located near the METRORail along Main Street. Features of accessible push buttons: Audible beeping while “walk” sign is activated Push buttons vibrate when “walk” sign is activated Tactile arrows to indicate direction of crosswalk “People who are blind or have low vision commute regularly and are vulnerable when they are traveling in busy areas, crossing streets, and navigating traffic and infrastructure that is lacking," said Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Director, Angel Ponce. "Creating a safer, more accessible landscape that benefits not only our constituents but the thousands of people that visit our city every year is important and play a vital role in the safety and accessibility of our city.” “Houston Public Works' purpose is 'Together we create a strong foundation for Houston to thrive.' We're living our purpose by increasing accessibility for members in our community that have been historically overlooked," said Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock.  ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS Houston Public Works (www.HoustonPublicWorks.org) is the largest and most diverse public works organization in the country, responsible for creating a strong foundation for Houston to thrive. Houston Public Works is responsible for streets and drainage, production and distribution of water, collection, and treatment of wastewater, and permitting and regulation of public and private construction covering a 671-square mile service area. Houston Public Works is accredited by the American Public Works Association. Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @HouPublicWorks ABOUT MAYOR'S OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Our office serves as the primary advocate for the rights and needs of over 215,000 Houstonians with disabilities. The office serves as a liaison between the mayor, city council, city departments, and other public and private entities on matters pertaining to people with disabilities in Houston. Facebook: @HoustonMOPD, Twitter: @MoPD_Houston, Instagram: @coh_mopd Contact: Erin Jones  |  Public Information Officer Office: 832-395-2530 Cell: 713-853-6073 Erin.Jones@houstontx.gov Katelynn Burns, Communications Director Office: 832.395.2455 Cell: 832.840.3145 Katelynn.Burns@houstontx.gov Angel Ponce, Director Office: 832.394.0816 Cell: 346.802.9193 Angel.Ponce@houstontx.gov