Check Out Austin’s New Polka-Dotted Intersection Neckdowns
Safer streets for pedestrians don't have to be expensive, or boring, for that matter. That's the lesson from Austin's new polka-dotted intersection neckdowns.
In an effort to get drivers to slow down and give extra room to those on two feet, the city recently installed this colorful intersection treatment at the intersection of East 6th Street and Waller in East Austin.
According to Anna Martin, an engineer with Austin DOT, the project was completed in under a day using paint and other materials the department already had on hand.
We drew out the plan for the new stop bars and crosswalks. Noticing the extra space, we thought of adding the pedestrian bulb-outs. It is expensive to do with concrete but we thought to just improvise with markings and delineators. The polka dots were a final addition – taking inspiration from pedestrian plazas we’ve seen in New York City and Los Angeles. It really fits the spirit of the area which is creative and vibrant.
It was Austin's first experiment with this kind of street treatment, Martin told Streetsblog, and the response has been very positive.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
You Wouldn’t Like Monday’s Headlines When They’re Angry
Which state has the worst road rage? Consumer Affairs magazine looked at a variety of factors to come up with an answer.
When it Comes to Federal Infrastructure Grants, Size Does Matter
Cities and municipalities with larger budgets and staff are more likely to win competitive federal infrastructure grants, the Urban Institute has found.
The E-Commerce Explosion is Making Roads More Dangerous
And can advanced technology stop the bloodshed?
Are Friday’s Headlines the New Normal?
Transit ridership hasn't come all the way back from the pandemic, and they're going to need more federal help, along with other changes, says Governing magazine.
Friday Video: How to Make Places Safe For Non-Drivers After Dark
A top Paris pedestrian planner, a leading GIS professional, and Streetsblog's own Kea Wilson weigh in on the roots of America's nighttime road safety crisis, and the strategies that can help end it.
