City of Chicago Expands Accessible Pedestrian Signals Citywide, Surpassing 160 Locations

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today announced it has surpassed 160 Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) equipped signalized intersections across the city, marking a major expansion of accessibility infrastructure for residents who are blind or have low vision. The 78 installations completed over the past year represent an over 90 percent increase in APS-equipped intersections citywide, with more than 100 additional installations planned over the next year. To support this effort, CDOT launched ChicagoAPS.org, where residents can request new APS, find existing APS locations, report maintenance needs, and learn more about how APS works.

"Every Chicagoan deserves to move through our city safely and with confidence," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "This significant expansion of Accessible Pedestrian Signals is about making our streets more inclusive and ensuring residents who are blind or have low vision can travel more independently in every neighborhood."

APS are devices installed at signalized intersections that communicate crossing information through audible tones, messages and vibration cues, helping people with vision disabilities navigate streets more safely and independently.

Since 2019, CDOT has incorporated APS into all new traffic signal installations, roadway reconstruction projects, and signal modernization efforts. In 2025, the department significantly accelerated implementation, exceeding its annual installation targets and reaching more neighborhoods throughout the city.

"Accessibility is a central part of how we are modernizing Chicago's transportation infrastructure," said CDOT Commissioner William Cheaks, Jr. "We've significantly scaled up APS installation over the past year and will continue expanding this work to reach more intersections across the city."

"I thank our disability community who shared with the City priority intersections for APS installation," said the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) Commissioner Rachel Arfa. "This input plays a key role in determining APS locations, and we continue to welcome and incorporate ongoing feedback."

Residents can request a new APS location or report an issue by submitting a request at ChicagoAPS.org, calling 311, using 311.Chicago.gov or the CHI311 mobile app, or visiting their local Alderman's office or the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.

How Accessible Pedestrian Signals Work

At an APS-equipped intersection, a locator tone helps pedestrians find the signal's push button. When the button is pressed, the device emits an audible message (such as "wait" or a percussive crossing tone) and may also vibrate, indicating when it is safe to cross. The system includes tactile arrows to help users orient themselves in the correct crossing direction. APS devices are installed on or near crosswalk signal poles and are activated by pressing a button.

To learn more about how APS function at intersections, CDOT created the following educational video: How Accessible Pedestrian Signals Work

APS are installed at intersections throughout the City of Chicago, and prioritized based on public requests, intersection complexity, and proximity to key destinations such as transit stations, hospitals, and government buildings. Installation can vary significantly in complexity. While some intersections can be retrofitted by adding devices to existing poles, others require more extensive construction, including concrete and utility work.

Learn more about APS, view existing APS locations, request new locations or maintenance at the program website: ChicagoAPS.org