City of Modesto installs new HAWK beacon crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety
MODESTO — A first-of-its-kind traffic system is hitting Modesto streets.
This week, the city implemented two HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk) beacon crosswalks on I and H streets along 16th Street as a way to protect pedestrians. But it might cause some confusion for drivers.
Every Thursday, the downtown farmers market takes place in that same area. It's a learning curve for the farmers market's manager, Sheila Burch, as she adapts to the new crosswalks, which make for a pedestrian walkway with lights.
"It'll be nice to have it slow down and have people be more conscious," Burch said.
On the pedestrian side of things, not much has changed. The new HAWK beacon crosswalks act like traditional crosswalks, which means you hit the button and wait for the signal to walk.
But the triangle of lights could cause confusion for drivers. Flashing yellow means slow down. Solid yellow signals drivers to prepare to stop. Alternating red lights mean stop first and then proceed.
"Then it'll go solid red for vehicles to fully stop and allow pedestrians to cross," said city engineer Max Navarro, who is the head of the HAWK beacon project.
Farmers market vendor Cheree Hill says she's already noticed a difference since the crosswalks were installed on Tuesday.
"It's just one less thing parents have to worry about," she said.
Unlike a traffic light, HAWK only works when that button is pushed. The city says this project costs between $400,000 to $500,000.
