This project will implement left-turn signals, also called protected left-turns, for all directions of travel, and various other safety improvements described below at the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Humboldt Street.

This intersection was identified as one of the top three priority intersections for safety improvements in the City’s 2024 Local Roadway Safety Plan.

Concept Plan

Project Elements

The project will include various elements to improve safety per the City’s 2024 Local Roadway Safety Plan.

• Protected Left Turns: The project will replace most of the traffic signal poles and lights, and left turn arrows will be added for all left turn movements to enable use of protected left turn phasing. The protected left turn phasing will improve safety by separating left-turn traffic from pedestrian crossings. The left-turn signals will also provide dedicated timing for left-turning vehicles to be able to make their turn rather than waiting for a gap in traffic from the opposing through or right-turning vehicles.
• Leading Pedestrian Intervals: A Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) is a brief period during which a pedestrian walk signal is displayed to give pedestrians time to start crossing the street before vehicles are allowed to move. LPIs will be added for all pedestrian movements.
• Accessible Pedestrian Signals: Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) provide information to pedestrians in non-visual formats, such as audible tones or voice messages, and tactile surfaces, which improves accessibility for blind or low vision pedestrians. The project will upgrade the intersection to include APS systems for all directions of travel.
• Pedestrian Ramp Improvements: The project will move utility boxes out of pedestrian ramps to improve the ramp surfaces. 
• High-Visibility Signal Backplates: A High-Visibility Signal Backplate (HVSB) is a border around the traffic signal lights with yellow edges which improves the signal’s visibility. The project will include HVSBs for all traffic signal lights at the intersection.
• Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP): Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) systems enable traffic signals to give priority of movement to emergency responders. The intersection currently has EVP equipment for both directions of Humboldt Street. The project will add EVP capability for both directions of Poplar Avenue.
• Intersection Lighting: Lighting of the intersection is being considered in the project design because traffic signal poles with streetlights will be rearranged by the project.
• Preservation of on-street parking: The project will not result in the removal of any on-street parking.