Raised Intersection

Usage: Pilot

An entire intersection raised above the level of the surrounding roadways. The intersection is typically raised to sidewalk height.

Raised intersection: Cambridge, Massachusetts (Credit: Cara Seiderman)

Raised intersection: London, United Kingdom (Note: for illustrative purposes only)

Benefits

Encourages slower vehicle speeds
Increases pedestrian visibility at intersections
Encourages motorists to yield to pedestrians, particularly when turning
Enhances access for people with mobility challenges by providing a level crossing
Visually turns the intersection into a pedestrian-oriented zone
Allows convenient pedestrian circulation between high foot traffic destinations on opposite sides of a street

Typically not appropriate for designated truck routes or on MTA bus routes, unless with engineering oversight
May impact street drainage or require catch basin relocation
May impact utility manholes

Any intersection location that also meets the criteria for raised speed reducers, except that Raised Intersections may be considered on roads that are more than one lane in each direction, with engineering oversight. Review Raised Speed Reducer
Intersections with a history of pedestrian injuries or speeding issues
Intersections with a high volume of pedestrians crossing
Intersections where enhancing pedestrian movement is a major goal, such as transit stops or commercial areas

Appropriate warning signs and roadway markings should accompany raised crosswalk
Use enhanced, high-visibility street materials to further draw attention to raised intersection
Detectable Warning Surface should be provided to delineate the edge between the sidewalk and the roadway. They should be red when adjoining light-colored sidewalks, such as Unpigmented Concrete, or bright white when adjoining dark-colored surfaces, such as Pigmented Concrete, Asphalt Pavers, or Bluestone
Use signage or other methods to alert operators of snow-clearing vehicles to the presence of raised speed reducers
Utilize recycled content in paving materials
Coordinate streetscape/utility work to minimize street cuts