MANKATO — An initiative to make street-crossing a little safer for Mankato pedestrians has begun with a pilot project at 14 intersections across the city.
Known as “leading pedestrian intervals,” the adjustments to traffic signals aim to give pedestrians a head start — making them more visible to drivers when they’re crossing the street.
The Mankato City Council authorized the pilot project in May, urging the city’s engineering staff to have the effort underway before the start of the 2026-27 school year. That happened last week when the signals were adjusted at 14 intersections with high pedestrian activity, including near schools and downtown.
The targeted crossing points represent about a quarter of Mankato’s signalized intersections.
Leading pedestrian intervals give pedestrians a “WALK” signal three to seven seconds before vehicles receive a green light to begin making turns across the crosswalk.
“This allows pedestrians to begin crossing while turning vehicles are still stopped,” according to the city’s announcement. “The extra time helps pedestrians establish their presence in the crosswalk before vehicles are allowed to turn.”
In his May presentation to the council, City Engineer Cory Bienfang said that one study found a 13% reduction in pedestrians being hit by vehicles at intersections where LPIs were employed.
“It’s widely supported that there is a benefit for the pedestrian,” Bienfang said.
Because LPIs result in a slight delay for motorists, the city isn’t employing them everywhere. Instead, the pilot project is being implemented at priority intersections that have push-button-activated crosswalk signals and a relatively high number of pedestrians.
Cities with particularly busy intersections sometimes set their semaphores to have the LPI delay constantly in place. In Mankato, by contrast, the LPIs are activated only when a pedestrian is present and pushes the crosswalk button.
The pilot project includes four intersections along Riverfront Drive in the Old Town area, four in and near Minnesota State University, three downtown along Second Street and Cherry Street and three along Victory Drive.
The effectiveness of the pilot project will be evaluated over the coming months. So will public attitudes about LPIs.
With that information in hand, a policy will be developed for when and where LPIs should be used and whether they should be expanded citywide at some point in the future.
City officials said they will provide opportunities for the community to share feedback as the pilot progresses.
In the meantime, people are asked to call 311 it they notice any issues, such as a pedestrian push button that isn’t working or a pedestrian signal display that is difficult to see.