Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons RRFB

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) are user-actuated flashing lights incorporated into pedestrian warning sign assembly that increase driver awareness of a pedestrian crossing at unsignalized intersections or mid-block locations.

C

A B

Source: Kimley-Horn and Associates DESIGN FEATURES

A

B

C

Advance yield lines should be installed 20’50’ in advance of the crosswalk Advance warning signs should be installed in conjunction with the advance yield line Sign and beacon should be Installed on both sides of the roadway at the edge of the crosswalk. If there is a pedestrian refuge or other type of median, an additional beacon should be installed in the median Design in accordance with FHWA’s Interim Approval 11 (IA-21)

REFERENCES

NACTO, Urban Bikeway Design Guide FHWA, Safety Effects of Marked Vs Unmarked Crosswalks at Uncontrolled Locations CA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), 2014, Revision 5 FHWA, UrInterim Approval for the Optional Use of Pedestrian-Actuated Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons at Uncontrolled Marked OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

RRFB’s are usually implemented on collectors and arterials with high volumes of pedestrians and bicycles. RRFBs shall not be installed at stop-controlled or signalized intersections. Increases yielding behavior of drivers at crosswalks when supplementing standard pedestrian crossing signs. Walk time for RRFBs can be calculated based on 3.5 feet per second. RRFB systems are typically solar-powered.

Source: Texas A&MTransportation Institute