Gaps in accessibility, placement and functionality highlight the importance of regular inspections and maintenance.
After the city of Chicago was required to install accessible pedestrian signals to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city accomplished the "primary goal" of installing 70 or more signals in the first year, installing them at 78 intersections.
But as Lori Tobias reports in Smart Cities Dive, none of the intersections inspected by an independent monitor were "fully compliant with technical APS requirements." APS signals were improperly placed and had issues with functionality, maintenance and accessibility.
The monitor also recommended "stronger documentation, clearer public reporting, additional training for city staff and contractors, prompt correction of deficiencies and continued coordination for technical compliance."
The city must bring 71% of its 2,800 signalized intersections into compliance within 10 years and 100% into compliance in 15 years.
Read the full story: Accessible pedestrian signal rollout in Chicago ahead of targets, but technical gaps persist: report
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