N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 17 § 3I.01
INSERT the following paragraphs:
Support:
01A While islands frequently serve more than one purpose, they are generally classified according to their main function as pedestrian refuge islands, traffic divisional islands, or traffic channelizing islands.
01B Pedestrian refuge islands:
Refuge islands provide areas for pedestrians where it is difficult to cross the entire roadway at one time.
Refuge islands are particularly useful in urban areas where there is a significant volume of pedestrian traffic and heavy vehicular traffic volumes make it difficult for pedestrians to cross, such as on multi-lane roadways, in large or irregularly shaped intersections, and at signalized intersections.
A continuous median between intersections is appropriate when refuge islands are required at each intersection along a highway.
Passenger loading islands are a special class of refuge islands that provide pedestrian refuge while loading and unloading passengers from transit vehicles.
01C Divisional islands:
Divisional islands are used to separate traffic. They are used between opposing traffic streams (for example, the median of a divided highway) or between traffic lanes in the same direction (for example, to separate a left-turn lane from the adjacent through traffic lane). Divisional islands are also used to guide traffic past an obstruction in the roadway, to separate opposing traffic in advance of an intersection, or to prevent passing and/or lane encroachment at certain locations such as sharp curves or narrow underpasses.
Medians are continuous divisional islands. They provide a buffer area between opposing streams of traffic, protection and control of crossing and turning traffic, and refuge for pedestrians.
01D Channelizing islands:
The primary function of a channelizing island is to control and guide a motorist into the proper lane for the intended movement. Channelizing islands are also used in broad expanses of pavement to promote an orderly flow of traffic.
Channelization is particularly helpful at highways intersecting at oblique angles, at three-leg junctions, and at multi-leg intersections.
Channelizing islands are used for separation and special control of turning movements.
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 17 § 3I.01