Columbus plans to install its third high-intensity pedestrian activated walk (HAWK) signal this summer on Washington Street.
The city will place the signal at 17th and Washington streets near Noblitt Park, said Dave Hayward, executive director of public works/city engineer. The signal could be in place by late July or early August, he said.
Columbus has two other HAWK signals — one at Fifth and Lindsey streets for pedestrians and bicylists to cross into Mill Race Park and the other on Brown Street near Cummins, Inc. for employees there.
HAWK signals stop traffic for pedestrians and bicyclists with a red light as they cross the street. Once a pedestrian pushes a button that activates the HAWK signal, flashing beacons are activated, Hayward said. The signal, first flashes yellow as a warning to prepare to stop and then turns red.
The signal is being placed at the Washington Street intersection because residents have said it is difficult to cross the street at 17th Street, Hayward said.
There have been no pedestrian accidents reported at that intersection, according to Hayward. Bike riders use the intersection often, he said.
The Columbus Park Foundation will pick up the cost of the new HAWK signal once a bid has been awarded for the project. The Columbus Board of Works will consider awarding a bid for the project on Tuesday.
The city is also evaluating whether to install a fourth HAWK signal at 19th Street and Central Avenue between Donner and Lincoln parks, Hayward said.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Advantages of HAWK signals” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
High-intensity pedestrian activated walk (HAWK) signals have several advantages, including:.
- Increasing drivers’ attention to pedestrians crossing the road
- Reducing rear-end collisions
Source: Federal Highway Administration
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