The Michigan Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the city of Ann Arbor, will soon install a new High-intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signal at the corner of I-94 Business Loop (Huron Street) and Third/Chapin Street in downtown Ann Arbor. This will be the first HAWK-style traffic control device on a state trunkline in Michigan. There are several such signals already in existence throughout the state on local streets, including in Detroit and Oakland County.
A HAWK signal provides a protected pedestrian crossing as a way to increase safety. It is used only for pedestrian crossings. It does not control traffic on side streets.
When you wish to cross the street, you push a button activating the HAWK signal. A flashing yellow light warns drivers approaching the crosswalk of a pedestrian wishing to cross. The flashing yellow light is followed by a solid yellow light telling drivers to prepare to stop.
The signal then changes to a solid red for drivers to stop at the intersection. At this point, you can cross safely. The solid red signal will then convert to a flashing red signal after a predetermined amount of time, telling drivers to proceed through the intersection when it is clear and safe to do so.
The HAWK signal will then go dark. Drivers can continue through the intersection without stopping until the button is again activated.
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November 10, 2010 at 2:50 pm
League of Michigan Bicyclists
This is great news. I’m hoping that the MSU campus might also be a site for trying a HAWK device in the future; funding is a definite issue. I’ve been told that these are not really recommended for areas where there are lots of peds like we have on our campus as the HAWK would be activated way too much, and that it’s intended use is for areas where peds aren’t expected or more infrequent.
Tim