MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – A pedestrian signal on the northeast corner of East 42nd Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan is sending a different message than what most New Yorkers are used to.
Instead of warning people to pause until the traffic light changes, the voice from the box seems to be growling. The recorded voice should say "wait" until the light changes and the crosswalk can be entered.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) help pedestrians who are blind or have low vision. The city says a low locator tone helps pedestrians locate the device. When it's time to walk, the button vibrates, and a rapid beep or voice lets the pedestrian know the walk signal is active.
People can report a problem with a pedestrian signal to the New York City Department of Transportation online or by calling 311.
PIX11 reached out to the DOT about the East 42nd Street and Third Avenue pedestrian signal. A DOT crew arrived at the crosswalk Friday afternoon to test the speaker.
New York City has more than 6,000 miles of streets and there are 13,543 intersections with traffic signals, according to the DOT.
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