93 traffic signals in DC being retimed to boost pedestrian safety

WASHINGTON - More than 90 traffic signals in the District will be retimed to allow pedestrians more time to cross roadways as part of Mayor Muriel Bowser's vision zero initiative.

Officials said 93 traffic signals around Navy Yard and Wards 7 and 8 were being retimed on Friday.

The timing adjustments allow pedestrians to get a head start by giving them a walk signal a few seconds before a light turns green. Officials said the extra few seconds gives pedestrians more visibility by establishing their presence in a crosswalk before a vehicle begins to move.

According to DDOT, the low-cost adjustment has been shown to reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions.