Brian Coddington

Ruby and Boone getting HAWK light

Brian Coddington, Communications Director, No Phone Number Available


Monday, March 30, 2015 at 2:34 p.m.

Pedestrians will soon get a little extra help crossing Ruby Street.

A new High Intensity Activated Crosswalk – or “HAWK light” – is being built at the intersection of Ruby Street and Boone Avenue. The safety enhancement will connect retail businesses to the north end of our university district.

The HAWK light works like this. A pedestrian activates the light by pushing the button at the crosswalk. The overhead light begins to flash yellow, a signal to drivers that the light is going to change. The flashing yellow light becomes a solid yellow after a few seconds and then a solid red, just like a typical traffic signal.

The pedestrian enters the crosswalk on solid red. Drivers can proceed through the intersection once the light starts flashing red and the pedestrian has cleared the crosswalk.

The HAWK light will be operational later this spring. Work on a second HAWK light at 18th Avenue and Grand Boulevard begins next Monday.

Both lights are part of a pilot program to test the effectiveness of the HAWK lights at various locations and traffic situations.