Crosswalks

Crosswalks are "marked" or "unmarked" locations within intersecting roadways where vehicles must yield the right of way to pedestrians. Crosswalks are located to enhance the utilization of sidewalks and to serve as safe routes where additional protection is warranted.

Texas law defines crosswalks as:

Marked

A pedestrian crossing that is designated by surface markings.

Unmarked

The extension of a sidewalk across intersecting roadways.

At all crosswalks it is the pedestrian’s responsibility to be cautious and alert before starting to cross the street.

Marked Crosswalks

Crosswalks are marked at intersections where:

  • there is substantial conflict between vehicle and pedestrian movements.
  • significant pedestrian concentrations occur.
  • pedestrians could not otherwise recognize the proper place to cross.
  • traffic movements are controlled.

Examples of such locations are:

Designated School Crossings

These encourage school children to use a crossing which has been identified as a preferred place to cross a street.

Signalized Intersections Where There is Significant Pedestrian Traffic

These encourage all pedestrians to utilize the safety benefit of a traffic signal.

They are marked mainly to encourage pedestrians to use a particular crossing.

Mid-Block Crosswalks

These types of crosswalks are placed in the middle of a block, not an intersection.

Each mid-block location is reviewed on a case-by-case basis before being added.

Evaluation and study of the existing conditions will determine the most feasible and safe use of mid-block pedestrian crossings.

Designated School Crosswalks

The City determines the placement of designated school crosswalks based on the following:

  • type of existing traffic control around the school area (i.e. traffic signals and stop signs)
  • location of existing sidewalk around the school area
  • attendance zone for students walking to school
  • volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic
  • age of the pedestrian
  • location of adjacent crosswalks
  • proximity to school