The Lombard Public Works Department recently unveiled its new Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon system (RRFB), located at the intersection of the Illinois Prairie Path and Main Street.
Since RRFB has been shown in Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) studies to increase driver yielding from 18 percent to 88 percent, the system was chosen for the dangerous intersection in Lombard. The village’s Public Works staff made the original recommendation for the RRFB lighting, and following a presentation, the Public Safety and Transportation Committee quickly supported the concept and moved forward to locate funding sources for the installation.
“We’re excited to have these additions to our village,” Matthew Lew, Public Works civil engineer and project manager for the installation of the systems, said. “These RRFB systems are just part of our village-wide Bike and Pedestrian Project. We’re looking forward to working with the Public Safety and Transportation Committee as we move forward with making Lombard a more bike- and- pedestrian-friendly community.”
The system includes three separate stations along the Illinois Prairie Path and Main Street intersection, located at the east and west path entrances on Main Street as well as the median island. There is a push button at each station, which can be activated by pedestrians waiting to cross.
When activated, the system’s yellow lights will flash to notify drivers that a pedestrian is on the path. Drivers are required by Illinois State Law to stop for pedestrians inside a crosswalk, and the RRFB system displays a clear warning to drivers.
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