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YORK COUNTY – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in coordination with York County and the Virginia Transportation Research Council, will soon implement a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signal on Bypass Road (Route 60), between Chelsea Road and Commons Way/Palace Lane in York County. Estimated to begin operations as early as Thursday, Jan. 25, this is the first traffic signal of its kind to be utilized in the VDOT Hampton Roads District, designed to facilitate safe crossings for pedestrians while maintaining better traffic flow with minimal delays for motorists.
A HAWK signal is designed to provide traffic control to help pedestrians safely cross mid-block locations on busy streets. Unlike traditional traffic signals, the HAWK signal will remain dark to motorists until activated by a pedestrian desiring to cross the roadway, allowing for the free flow of traffic when pedestrians are not present.
At the push of a roadside button by the pedestrian, the traffic signal will cycle through several light sequences for motorists displayed in the following order:
- Flashing yellow light, providing first indication that someone has activated the crossing process
- Solid yellow light, notifying motorists to slow down and prepare to stop, like a standard traffic signal
- Double solid red lights, indicating a pedestrian is in the crosswalk and all motorists must stop
- Flashing double red lights, signifying motorists may proceed with caution once the crosswalk is clear
- No light displayed, motorists can proceed with the normal flow of traffic
After initiating the crossing activation, a pedestrian will wait until the red “stop” hand on the pedestrian signal transitions to a symbol of a person walking to begin their crossing. Pedestrians should always stay alert and ensure vehicles have stopped before proceeding and finish crossing ahead of the completion of the countdown signal.
For more information, view this information flyer as to how the HAWK signal will display to motorists and pedestrians.
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