High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk - HAWK System
CU-BOULDER TO INSTALL “HIGH-INTENSITY ACTIVATED CROSSWALK” BEGINNING MARCH 21
The University of Colorado Boulder is installing a high-intensity activated crosswalk - or “HAWK” system - at the crosswalk that connects the Engineering Center with Regent Autopark. The work began on Monday, March 21 and is projected to end Tuesday, April 6.
The most involved roadway construction is scheduled for the week of spring break. Thereafter, Regent Drive may have minor disruptions and partial lane closures through the remainder of the project. Sidewalk detours will be clearly marked to allow pedestrians a safe path around the work.
The north Regent Drive crosswalk has some of the highest multi-modal demand on campus. A survey conducted showed that at peak times (4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri.), 527 pedestrians, 57 bikers and 950 vehicles use this intersection. The high peak volume usage made the crosswalk a less than ideal candidate for a traditional traffic signal; its lower off-peak usage would not justify installation of a standard signal.
The City of Boulder is testing the HAWK signal, and will be monitoring its effectiveness over the next year. If it doesn’t improve conditions at the crosswalk, an evaluation of options will take place.
For a period of time after the signal is activated, CU-Boulder will station crossing guards at the walk to help educate pedestrians and cyclists about how the signal works. When the light is red, vehicles stop and pedestrians can begin crossing. But unlike a traditional traffic signal, the light will then begin flashing red. Drivers must treat the flashing light with caution, but can continue through the crosswalk if there are no pedestrians. A traditional pedestrian signal on either side of the crosswalk will alert pedestrians when they're allowed to cross. Normal vehicle traffic can resume when the light turns dark again.
The HAWK signal is pedestrian activated, but balances intermodal traffic flows. During periods of high pedestrian demand, the signal provides a cycle for vehicular traffic after each pedestrian activation. The signal’s functioning will also be coordinated with that of the traffic lights at Regent and Colorado to better support vehicular traffic movement through the area.
Go to the City of Fort Collins webpage at http://www.fcgov.com/traffic/ped-cross.php to learn more about how “pedestrian crossing hybrid beacon” signal systems like the HAWK work.
For questions or concerns, please contact Megan Rose of the Facilities Management Department at 303-492-8687.
To see how the signal works, check out this video.