Hawk Crosswalk Signal in City of Maple Plain Earlier this year the City of Maple Plain installed a Hawk signal on Highway 12 near the intersection with Budd Avenue so that pedestrians could safely cross the highway. Since then, there has been confusion by motorists regarding the laws and requirements pertaining to the Hawk signal lights. What is it? The HAWK, (High-intensity Activated CrossWalK) , signal is a pushbutton-activated pedestrian signal on Hwy 12. This signal provides a way to stop traffic so that pedestrians may safely cross Hwy 12. Research has shown that motorists’ compliance at a Hawk signal is up to 97% more effective than an unsignaled crosswalk. How it Works and Driver requirements? • The signal remains dark until a pedestrian activates the walk indication by pushing the pushbutton. • The signal will then flash yellow to warn drivers that a pedestrian will begin using the crosswalk. • A steady yellow indication follows advising drivers to stop if safe to do so. • The signal then turns solid red, requiring vehicles to stop at the stop line. The pedestrian will now see the walk indication and proceed into the crosswalk. • Once the walk time is completed, the signal will go to flashing red. This lets drivers know that once they come to a complete stop they may proceed through the intersection if there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk. West Hennepin Public Safety Department and the City of Maple Plain hopes to educate drivers to this new Hawk signal; it is a much safer crosswalk for our citizens crossing Highway 12. Any questions about the Hawk signal can be directed to West Hennepin Public Safety Chief Gary Kroells at (763) 479-0500 or the City of Maple Plain at (763) 479-0515.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 19:09:47 +0000