Pedestrian Signal Complaint or Request

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Need something else?

A pedestrian signal. 

You can report a problem with a pedestrian (Walk/Don't Walk) signal. You can also request a timing review of an existing pedestrian signal.

There are three different types of pedestrian signals:

  • Walk/Don't Walk pedestrian signals display or flash symbols.
  • Countdown pedestrian signals display numbers that count down.
  • Accessible Pedestrian Signals for people who are blind or low vision play a locator tone and, once pressed, a message telling pedestrians to wait and when the Walk sign is illuminated.

Please note that the Department of Transportation (DOT) does not accept requests for new standalone pedestrian signals. DOT only accepts requests for new Accessible Pedestrian Signals. If a new traffic signal is installed at a location, it will also include pedestrian signals.

You can report a pedestrian signal that is:

  • Missing or damaged
  • Burned out or has dimmed lights
  • Leaning, hanging, or knocked over
  • Exposing wires outside the base or open electrical control boxes
  • Blocked by signs or other hanging objects
  • Displaying crossing signal buttons that are damaged or need to be removed
  • Showing Walk and Don't Walk symbols at the same time
  • Displaying countdown signals where numbers are not flashing, visible, or counting down properly
  • Playing an audible signal locator alert tone or message that is too low, too loud, or not working

Report a pedestrian signal showing Walk and Don’t Walk at the same time.

Report all other pedestrian signal problems by phone. Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675).

What Happens Next

Department of Transportation (DOT) contractors in each borough maintain pedestrian signals.

Repairs are scheduled based on the urgency of the problem:

  • Fallen signal poles are addressed within 2 hours.
  • Exposed wiring or open electrical control boxes are addressed within 12 hours.
  • Priority issues such as problems with timing, outages, Walk/Don't Walk symbols showing at the same time, and hanging signals are addressed within 48 hours.
  • General maintenance issues are addressed within 30 days.
  • The response time for long term construction issues varies depending on the project.

You need your work order number to check the status of a signal repair request filed with the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Online

Check the repair status.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

If there is a non-emergency problem with a signal's timing, you can request a timing review.

Online

Contact the Department of Transportation.

By Mail

Mail your request to:

Department of Transportation Commissioner
55 Water Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10041

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

You can request new Accessible Pedestrian Signals for people who are blind or low vision. These signals play messages telling pedestrians when the "walk" signal is displayed. 

In your request, you should indicate:

  • If the requested intersection is near a facility or school program for people who are blind or low vision.
  • That the signal being requested is an Accessible Pedestrian Signal.

Learn more about Accessible Pedestrian Signals.

Submit your request:

Online

Email the Department of Transportation.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

By Mail

Mail your request to:

Department of Transportation Commissioner
55 Water Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10041

What Happens Next

The Department of Transportation (DOT) will evaluate the request, rank it, and prioritize it for installation. DOT will send you a confirmation that the location you've requested is on their list.

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