Audible tones making intersections safer in Winnipeg

Audible tones making intersections safer in Winnipeg

Four distinct sounds are helping make signalized intersections safer for all pedestrians. Accessible Pedestrian Signals communicate pedestrian timing information using non-visual, audible tones.

When pedestrians approach a signalized intersection, they will hear one of four typical audible tones, depending on the signalized intersection:

  • “Coo – Coo”: heard when the “WALK” light is on, typically for north-south pedestrian crossing directions
  • “Chirp – Chirp”: heard when the “WALK” light is on, typically for east-west pedestrian crossing directions
  • “Tick – Tick”: this is the pushbutton locator tone that provides an audible sign that a pushbutton is required to request the “WALK” signal
  • “Tock”: this is the confirmation that the pushbutton has been activated, and that a request for the “WALK” signal has been made

The City of Winnipeg is in the process of upgrading more than 670 signalized intersections. The project looks to be finished by the end of this construction season, a full year ahead of schedule.

Another pedestrian safety project underway is the installation of countdown signals at all signalized intersections which indicate how much time is left to safety cross the street.

It is anticipated all signalized intersections will be equipped with the countdowns signals by the end of 2020, with the exception of a few intersections slated for construction work in 2021.