Improving Crosswalk Accessibility

Improving Crosswalk Accessibility

Accessible pedestrian signals play a critical role in helping pedestrians who are blind, have low vision or are deaf-blind cross streets safely and with confidence.

Installed at signalized crosswalks, they provide clear, accessible cues through features such as pushbutton locator tones, audible and vibrating walk indications, tactile arrows, illuminated signs, and automatic volume adjustment. In other words, through enhanced sight, sound and touch, the act of crossing the street isn't so daunting, creating a more welcoming experience at intersections for all users.

In 2016, IDOT established a goal to achieve statewide compliance by 2041 with the signals, also called APS for short. While that timeline may seem lengthy, the scale of the effort makes it necessary. Since the original 2016 inventory, IDOT has installed 2,688 APS systems statewide and has now achieved roughly 50% of its overall goal. District 1 currently leads in total installations, due to the size and complexity of its intersection network.

Significant progress was also made in District 4 in central Illinois during the second half of 2025, when two APS contracts were completed, resulting in the installation of almost 130 systems. The first contract, completed over the summer, added APS at 68 locations across Peoria County, including the cities of Peoria, Peoria Heights, Bartonville and Bellevue. A second contract followed shortly after, bringing APS to an additional 60 locations throughout the district, including Galesburg, Canton, Macomb, Morton, East Peoria, Abingdon, Lewistown, Pekin, Washington, Eureka, Germantown Hills, Goodfield and Metamora.

Together, these two contracts represent a $3.5 million investment in central Illinois, enhancing intersection safety and expanding accessibility in communities across District 4. Funding for the project included 90% federal funds and 10% state funds - another step forward in making our transportation system safer and more inclusive for everyone.