Raised Intersection

A raised intersection is where the entire intersection area is constructed at a higher elevation than the adjacent roadway. Raised intersections improve visibility for pedestrians and increase motorist awareness. Similar to speed humps and other vertical speed control treatments, raised intersections encourage drivers to reduce speed and yield to crossing pedestrians.

Application/Considerations/Outcomes

• Appropriate for local and collector streets
• Raised intersections should be avoided where grades exceed 8%
• Not recommended on routes regularly used by heavy vehicles
• Needs further design considerations on locations with regular bus services, such as providing a gentler ramp grade
• Installation should be restricted to where approaches have equal priority, such as all-way stop-controlled intersections
• Can be combined with other safety treatments to maximize safety benefits, such as including curb extensions at the intersection or crosswalk
• May include bollards along the corners to prevent motorists from crossing into the pedestrian space

Image sources: NACTO, HUB Surface Systems