City of Phoenix activates 50th HAWK pedestrian signals, plans for 18 more

PHOENIX — City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego celebrated the activation of the city’s 50th HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) pedestrian signals with community members and Street Transportation Department staff on Friday.

“These signals don’t just make parents, children, workers and other pedestrians safer while walking our streets, they make the road safer for drivers as well,” Gallego said at the ceremonial first crossing of the city’s 50th HAWK.

“Our drivers will know that there is a pedestrian here and can stop and make sure that individual can cross the street safely.”

HAWK signals are activated by pedestrians and feature flashing red-yellow-red beacons to enhance safety for those crossing the street at mid-block locations and busy intersections.

.@MayorGallego breaking in the new HAWK crosswalk on 20th Street South of Osborn. Plus, this adorable little doggie was among the very first to partake in crossing. The dogs name you ask? Chubbers 😍🐕 pic.twitter.com/2NWZWa59Mw

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) June 7, 2019

The difference between HAWKs and standard traffic signals is that the former does not have a green signal and will remain “dark” until activated by a pedestrian instead.

Phoenix’s newest edition is located at 20th Street and the Grand Canal, and plays a part in the Grand Canalscape Project, Oak Street Improvement Project and the 20th Street Improvement Project to provide mobility and safety within the city.

Seven HAWKs have already been installed this year, with an additional 18 scheduled to be installed before the end of the year.

“The City of Phoenix is committed to pedestrian safety,” Gallego said. “We are making improvements to make our city safer. This crosswalk is a great example.”

Because of the increasing number of HAWK installments, the City of Phoenix wants to educate drivers, cyclists and pedestrians on how the new pedestrian crossing signals work.

Follow @KTAR923