What is the signal at the High Trestle Trail crossing at West 1st Street?

The signal at the High Trestle Trail crossing at West 1st Street is called a HAWK pedestrian Signal.

"HAWK" stands for High-intensity Activated crosswalk. It is intended to provide a signalized crossing for pedestrians while reducing delay to vehicular traffic.

While it looks similar to a traditional pedestrian signal, the HAWK operates a little differently. When not in use, vehicle signals remain dark, allowing vehicular traffic to proceed without stopping. A pedestrian pushing the button begins a sequence of four different light combinations:

  1. First, the signal begins flashing yellow to indicate to drivers that a pedestrian is waiting to enter the crosswalk.
  2. This is followed by a steady yellow indication, advising drivers to stop, if safe to do so (just like a traditional traffic signal).
  3. The signal then turns solid red, requiring drivers to stop at the stop bar.
  4. Finally, the signal will flash red indicating that drivers must stop first, but may proceed with caution if the street is clear - the same as they would at a traditional signal operating with flashing red lights. The signal will then return to dark.

During these sequences the pedestrians will see the same indications they see at a traditional traffic signal: Hand symbol (Don't Walk), Walking Person symbol (Walk), and Flashing Hand symbol with countdown timer. For a visual representation of these signals, please download the HAWK Pedestrian Signal Infographic (PDF).

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