HAWKs will soon be helping pedestrians crossing Manteca streets.
The installation of a high Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon signal system will take place this year at
*The North Main Street intersection with Edison Street.
*Garfield Avenue and Moffat Boulevard at Manteca High.
HAWK signals operate in a YELLOW-RED-FLASHING RED sequence to alert motorists that pedestrians need to cross the road.
Unlike traffic signals, the HAWK only operates when a pedestrian pushes the crossing button. Vehicles are free to move when no one is crossing the street.
How the HAWK signal works:
*1. Dormant State: The signal remains dark (unlit) until a pedestrian activates it by pushing a button.
*2. Flashing Yellow: When activated, the signal will first display a series of flashing yellow lights. This indicates that a change is coming, and drivers should slow down.
*3. Solid Yellow: The yellow lights will then turn solid, signaling drivers to prepare to stop.
*4. Solid Red: The signal will turn solid red. Drivers must come to a complete stop, just as they would at a red traffic light.
*5. Alternating (Flashing) Red: After the solid red phase, the signal will display two red lights that flash alternately. Drivers can proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.
*6. Dark: Once the pedestrian crossing is complete and there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk, the signal returns to its dark, dormant state.
In essence, the HAWK signal prioritizes pedestrian safety by providing a clear and distinct sequence of signals for drivers to follow.
Federal Highway Administration data shows the HAWK system makes a major difference for pedestrian and driver safety. Studies show a nearly 70% reduction in pedestrian crashes and almost a 30% drop in all crashes.
The Edison Street Hawk signal is part of the North Main Street project now underway.
The one by Manteca High is part of the Safe Routes to School project the council is expected to seek bids for when they meet tonight.
Modesto in April activated its first two HAWK crossings. They are on 16th Street at intersections at H and I streets near the Modesto Farmers Market.
Stockton installed HAWK crossings on South Airport Way last year.
Manteca has stepped up pedestrian safety as a priority after then Councilman Vince Henandez in 2016, over staff objections die to cost, convinced the balance of the council to include a separate bridge for pedestrians and bicycles crossing the 120 Bypass as part of the project that widened the two-lane Union Road crossing that lacked both sidewalks and safety fencing into a four=lave diverging diamond interchange.
The current council has added separate pedestrian/bicycle bridges to proposed diverging diamond projects on the 120 Bypass at Airport Way and at Main Street.
City staff since 2016 has stepped up its efforts to seek state grants for pedestrian safety projects going to bid tonight.
Staff also secured grant funding for the city’s first overhead pedestrian flashing beacon that were installed on Yosemite Avenue at Sherman Avenue and at Garfield Avenue in downtown Manteca on the edges of the Manteca High campus.
A similar overhead crossing signal will be installed on Main Street at Jason Street as part of the Main Street work now underway.
In addition, Mayor Gary Singh is working to have the regional rail commission install traffic signals at Moffat Boulevard and Garfield Avene when the future ACE commuter train parking lot is tied into the intersection.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabuletin.com
