A pilot project featuring a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) system has been launched on Osiyo Street in Tashkent's Mirzo Ulugbek district to improve pedestrian safety, the Traffic Management Center announced.
According to officials, the high-intensity warning beacon system is designed to ensure drivers can clearly spot pedestrian crossings from a distance, regardless of their direction of travel or which lane they are in. This solution is primarily intended for streets with low-to-moderate traffic volume.
As part of the setup, warning beacons have been installed on the roadsides, in the central median, and on an overhead gantry spanning the roadway. Additionally, poles equipped with pedestrian push-buttons have been placed on both sides of the street. When a pedestrian presses the button, the bright yellow beacons at the top of the poles begin flashing rapidly.
Furthermore, the "Pedestrian Crossing" sign itself has been upgraded to a specially illuminated design. This ensures excellent visibility of the crossing from a long distance, particularly at night.
Data from the Traffic Management Center highlights that research by the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shows the RRFB system significantly increases motorist yield rates. While driver compliance at standard, unregulated crosswalks averages between 18% and 30%, the installation of an RRFB system can boost compliance up to 98%.
Additionally, the bright warning lights allow drivers to spot the pedestrian crossing well in advance, helping them gradually reduce their speed. This proactive alert serves to minimize instances of sudden, emergency braking.
The committee noted that this initiative represents one of the very first projects in Uzbekistan to integrate RRFB technology into the country's road infrastructure as a pilot. The results of this trial will make it possible to evaluate the practical effectiveness of the technology in improving pedestrian safety.
Earlier in June, the Traffic Management Center also reported the introduction of a new traffic management scheme aimed at reducing congestion around the Sergeli car market in Tashkent.
Under the new configuration, vehicles entering the market diverge from the main road earlier to travel along a dedicated local lane. Similarly, traffic exiting the market must first merge into this local lane before joining the main flow of traffic.
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