The Chainlink

Timing of eastbound pedestrian light at Randolph & Dearborn

Does anyone have any idea on why the pedestrian light going eastbound on Randolph at Dearborn now shows as red do not cross 5-10 seconds before the light turns red? It does not do this for the west bound pedestrian traffic. I gauge the pedestrian lights as to when the light will change and found myself in traffic assuming all of the cars were running the light. This is dangerous and if it hasn't happened already, I will bet that other cyclists do the same as me.

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on August 8, 2017 at 1:15pm
Yes, intersection traffic timing can be a hidden danger in Chicago for all road users. Irregularities happen often enough IMO. It should be reported promptly. It may save a life.
Permalink Reply by Gage B. on August 8, 2017 at 2:15pm

One might ask why I'm not looking at the light at this intersection, it's because it is a one way west bound. I can think of no logical reason on why the timing for the east bound pedestrian has been reduced.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on August 9, 2017 at 8:54am

GREAT QUESTION. I've been wondering this too.

I think it's a mistake because I can't think of any logical reason behind it.

On the north side of the intersection the pedestrian walk sign ends early because the drivers on Randolph get a right-turn arrow to go northbound. So if the walk signs on the south side of the intersection were synced with that, that would at least make "sense" (in terms of explaining the phenomenon).

But as it is, with eastbound walkers stopping early, it makes no sense.

Permalink Reply by Mark on August 9, 2017 at 9:30am

That was my thought.  They shortened the timing for the north crosswalk without thinking about keeping the original longer timing for the south crosswalk.  The north-south crosswalks parallel to Dearborn have independent timing.  It's a complicated intersection with two green turn arrow cycles.  Hopefully the timing gets adjusted.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on August 9, 2017 at 9:47am

Except...for the westbound walkers on the south side of the intersection, the walk sign does last the proper length of time. It's only for the eastbound walkers that it's shortened. Very odd.

Permalink Reply by Gage B. on August 11, 2017 at 9:43am

I rode through the intersection again and it does seem that the pedestrian light is timed this way due to the northern side of randolph. Who do we talk to about this getting fixed?

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on August 11, 2017 at 10:24am

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