PROWAG, developed by the U.S. Access Board, is a set of technical standards designed to ensure that pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way are accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. Compliance with these guidelines isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about building safer, more inclusive communities.
Who Should Care About PROWAG?
PROWAG is essential for:
- Traffic Engineers: Designing intersections, midblock crossings, and roundabouts to ensure safe and compliant pedestrian access.
- City Planners & DOT Professionals: Implementing projects that meet ADA standards and considering pedestrian safety as a core aspect of urban design.
- Contractors & Developers: Building new roadways or retrofitting existing infrastructure to meet PROWAG specifications.
- Municipal Decision-Makers: Selecting cost-effective, compliant solutions to improve public safety and accessibility.
If your role involves any aspect of urban design, construction, or traffic management, understanding and applying PROWAG guidelines is crucial.
Key Requirements in PROWAG
PROWAG covers a variety of pedestrian safety treatments, including crosswalk designs, accessible push buttons, and tactile warnings. Here are some of the most important elements you need to know:
Crossing Treatments at Multilane Roundabouts
According to PROWAG, multilane roundabouts must have enhanced pedestrian treatments for visually impaired individuals, such as pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs), Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), or raised crosswalks
Audible Pedestrian Push Buttons
A new ruling requires that all pedestrian push buttons must include audible and vibrotactile indicators, making it easier for blind or low-vision pedestrians to navigate safely
Roundabout and Channelized Turn Lane Crosswalks
At midblock and roundabout crossings, curb ramps or blended transitions must be present on both ends of the crosswalk. Where pedestrian crossing is not intended, the path must be separated by landscaping or detectable barriers to guide pedestrians safely
TraffiCalm’s Push-2-Cross systems are designed to meet these requirements, providing critical accessibility features at crossings.
How PROWAG Impacts Crossing Treatments
PROWAG sets standards for crosswalk slopes, curb ramp dimensions, and pedestrian circulation paths, all of which directly impact how crossings are designed at high-risk areas like roundabouts and midblock crossings. Some specific PROWAG requirements include:
- Multilane Roundabouts: Each crosswalk must provide one or more safety treatments, such as a pedestrian signal, RRFB, or raised crosswalk.
- Channelized Turn Lanes: Similar to roundabouts, these lanes must have enhanced pedestrian crossings to ensure visibility and driver awareness.
By implementing these safety features, agencies can reduce pedestrian accidents and ensure safer navigation for people with disabilities. In fact, studies have shown that RRFBs can increase driver yield rates by up to 98%, making them a highly effective treatment for these intersections
The Role of TraffiCalm and Pelco in PROWAG Compliance
As the PROWAG guidelines evolve, it’s essential for industry leaders to stay ahead of these changes. TraffiCalm and Pelco Solutions offer a range of products that not only meet PROWAG requirements but also provide cutting-edge technology for enhanced safety.
- Push-2-Cross Systems: Equipped with audible and tactile indicators, these push buttons comply with the latest PROWAG mandates, ensuring that all pedestrians—especially those with disabilities—are accommodated.
- RRFBs and Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs): Ideal for high-risk locations, these beacons increase driver awareness at midblock crossings and roundabouts, meeting the accessibility needs outlined in PROWAG.
Why Compliance Matters for Your Community
PROWAG compliance isn’t just about meeting legal standards—it’s about building safe, inclusive communities that prioritize all road users. Whether you’re working on a new development or retrofitting an existing site, adopting PROWAG guidelines ensures that your project meets the highest standards of safety and accessibility.
For more details on the latest updates to PROWAG and how they affect your projects, visit the NHTSA Pedestrian Safety page.
For full PROWAG documentation, visit the U.S. Access Board website here: https://www.access-board.gov/prowag/