Design and engineering
Pedestrian facilities in roadway projects are supported by federal legislation, Minnesota State Statutes and MnDOT policy and practice.
Overall guidance
There are several key considerations when designing for pedestrians. People walk along and need to cross a wide variety of roadway types. Expect people to be walking on all roadways (except freeways), especially near key destinations such as schools, parks, grocery stores, homes, and transit stops. In addition, vehicle speed is one of the most important factors in roadway safety. High speeds increase both the risk of crashes and their severity.
Crossings and intersections
Designers have many tools available to them to improve crossings and intersections for pedestrians. These features slow vehicle traffic and help drivers expect and see pedestrians at potential conflict points.
Policies and practices
MnDOT translates federal and state laws for accommodating people walking and bicycling into policies and practices through the following:
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
- Pedestrians Highway Project Development Process
- Facility Design Guide - Non-Motorized design is covered in Chapter 8
- Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian
Minnesota administrative rules
MnDOT’s State Aid for Local Transportation program supports streets, roads, and bridges that are not on the trunk highway system. For guidance on pedestrian accommodations on state-aid roads: