The lights are long enough to cross the whole intersection. Because traffic is stopped at all streets, pedestrians can walk directly through the middle of the intersection. There is no reason to have to cross a part of the intersection, wait through the cycle and finish crossing.

Interesting Sue, then maybe some signage or crosswalk paint is needed explaining to the pedestrian that crossing the large intersection is proper. I think the intersection is daunting for a walker.

Here's a photo of current conditions

I completely agree, if the light were programed to be pedestrian sensitive then I would think of crossing there more often, as it stands I try to avoid walking through that area of town, it obviously caters towards cars alone. It is not a pleasant experience. I see people J-walking often instead of waiting for the walk signal. This is not a preferable/safe situation and needs to be addressed---the sooner the better.

1) "... pedestrian presses the crosswalk button and waits, like a vehicle, for the lights to make the cycle around the five corners then all five lights allow the walker to go..."
==> agree to provide first preference for pedestrians waiting to cross the intersection... program the lights accordingly..

2) "... all five lights allow the walker to go but just long enough to get across one section..."
==> theres a timer now... but its still short for folks who cannot walk fast (due to maybe health reasons)... hence, timing to cross must cater to their needs too... or use technology to allow pedestrian to add time when at the halfway point/section...

3) agree to Damon's point -- paint zebra crossings all over - as seen in attached picture

4) agree to Frankie's point on J-walking... use technology to warn folks crossing when walking sign is Not on - preferably with an alarm sounding, so that everyone in cars are watching the 'walker' - sometimes embarrassment is a good deterrent too... just a thought...

We cross at five corners every day, and it is very pedestrian friendly if you wait your turn. I like the idea of painting crosswalks across the whole of it to communicate to those unfamiliar that this is allowed and expected. No need to wait more than one set of lights. My young children are able to work with the intersection as it is very safely because ALL traffic stops when it is their turn. And even slowpokes can get across safely ALL the way the longest diagonal.

I think the least amount of change would be the best first step. FB’s artistic rendering of the painted crosswalks seems to be the best first step.

Thanks for the feedback! The diagonal/zebra crossings suggested by FB have been implemented very successfully in other places. (They are commonly called 'pedestrian scramble' intersections if you want to google some more examples). Do you like the design of this example in Steveson Canada?

yes - very good (re the crosswalks)

I want to reiterate that the intersection is very good the way it is, except that people unfamiliar with it don't know what to do and the cars are always in a hurry and violate the rules.

I have been walking here daily for 10+ years w/my kids to and from school. we know the patterns, it's very safe - except for the cars who misbehave and go when they are not supposed to or who block the intersection. even the youngest kids can cross here safely, because all traffic stops. that is very very pedestrian friendly and very very safe IF (and we have taught our kids this) IF all the cars stop as they are supposed to and obey the signals.

Thanks

Thank you for your report. Your request has been received. Essex Junction now has it's own SeeClickFix portal of their own. If this issue is still needing attention please resubmit this request through the new portal using this link https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/8wmyr2rqT9ompfvDhHmUDKwk/issues/map