Elicker Implements Longer Red Lights to Accommodate Pedestrians

Mayor Justin Elicker has announced new traffic safety updates at some of New Haven’s busiest intersections as part of the city’s ongoing Safe Routes for All initiative. The changes are already in place at 13 intersections, with additional locations planned through upcoming street improvement projects. City officials are encouraging residents to be patient and cautious as everyone adjusts to the new traffic signal and crosswalk operations.

The updated intersections now operate under a concurrent pedestrian phasing system rather than the previous exclusive pedestrian phasing. In the past, pedestrians crossed only when all vehicle traffic was stopped in every direction. Under the new system, pedestrians cross in the same direction as parallel vehicle traffic. Drivers, cyclists, and other riders traveling in the same direction may turn across the crosswalk but must yield to pedestrians at all times. Vehicles traveling perpendicular to the crosswalk are not permitted to turn on red at these intersections.

In addition to this change, the city has expanded the use of Leading Pedestrian Interval technology at the same locations. LPI signals give pedestrians a head start of three to seven seconds before parallel traffic receives a green light. This extra time allows people walking to establish a clear presence in the crosswalk, improves visibility for turning drivers, and reduces conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. LPI technology is especially beneficial for seniors, families with young children, and individuals with disabilities. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, LPI crosswalks can reduce pedestrian-vehicle crashes by 13 percent.

City officials note that these updates represent a major shift from the familiar “all traffic stops” walk signals many residents are used to. Because of this, pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and scooter and moped riders are urged to pay close attention to new signals and signage while acclimating to the changes.

Mayor Elicker emphasized that the goal is to keep pedestrians safe while also allowing traffic to move more efficiently throughout the city. He noted that the added pedestrian head start improves safety and comfort for people crossing the street, while the concurrent phasing helps reduce congestion and keeps traffic flowing in a more predictable way. He also stressed the importance of public awareness as these new systems are introduced.

The updated intersections include multiple locations along Chapel Street, Crown Street, George Street, and Sherman Avenue, including Chapel Street at College, High, York, Park, and Dwight streets; Crown Street at High, York, and Park streets; George Street at Park, Howe, and Dwight streets; and Sherman Avenue at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and South Frontage Road. Additional projects currently under construction, such as the Lower State Street Redesign, Whitney Avenue Improvement, and Chapel Street Two-Way Conversion projects, will also include Leading Pedestrian Interval technology when completed.

As the city rolls out these changes, all road users are reminded to follow traffic laws and exercise extra caution. Drivers and cyclists must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and pedestrians are reminded not to cross diagonally at intersections. The city’s Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking is also conducting a public education and awareness campaign, including new signage and educational materials, to help residents understand the new traffic patterns. Community members and organizations can request additional traffic safety education by contacting the department at 203-946-8075.

These traffic signal updates are part of New Haven’s broader pedestrian safety efforts, which also include accessibility improvements, safer street designs, and future safety measures such as red light and speed safety cameras planned for 2026 and school bus safety cameras on all New Haven Public School buses.

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