[E-updates] Traffic signal to improve safety at pedestrian crossing: Neighborhood and school children benefit from new signal

[Lisa Patterson]

NEWS RELEASE

City of Lawrence, Kansas

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007

 

CONTACT:  David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer, (785) 832-3034

 

Traffic signal to improve safety at pedestrian crossing

Neighborhood and school children benefit from new signal

 

(Lawrence, Ks) - A new pedestrian crosswalk signal became operational on
Aug. 14. Located on 11th Street between New York Street and New Jersey,
the signal is the first of its type in Lawrence.  

 

Referred to as a HAWK (High Intensity Activated CrossWalK), research has
shown a higher motorist compliance rate with the crossing beacons while
reducing delay times for drivers.

 

The unique design consists of three lights (two reds and one yellow)
configured like an inverted triangle.  The signal remains dark until
activated by a pedestrian pushing a button. The signal then flashes
yellow for approximately six seconds followed by a steady yellow for
approximately four seconds and followed by a double, steady red during
the time pedestrians are receiving a "walk" signal. Once the pedestrian
display changes to "Don't Walk," the motorist's signal changes to
alternating flashing red. During the flashing red, motorists may proceed
through the crosswalk after stopping if the pedestrian has completed
crossing.

 

"The signal uses the rules motorist follow with all lights.  Solid red
means stop.  Flashing red means stop and proceed when safe to do so
while flashing yellow means slow and use caution," explains David
Woosley, city of Lawrence transportation/traffic engineer.

 

Last week, the City of Lawrence began distributing an instructional
pamphlet to New York School and the East Lawrence Neighborhood
Association. 

 

====

Editor's note:  The neighborhood brochure is online at
http://www.lawrenceks.org/web_based_agendas/09-04-07/09-04-07h/cm_report
_11th_street_beacon_pamphlet.pdf .

===

 

-END-

 

 

_____________________________

 

Lisa K. Patterson | Communications Manager

City of Lawrence

PO Box 708 | Lawrence, KS 66044

(785) 832-3406

fax (785) 832-3405

lpatterson at ci.lawrence.ks.us

www.lawrenceks.org

 

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