Hybrid Pedestrian Crosswalk Signals
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New pedestrian signals save lives and improve traffic flow.
The City of Colorado Springs has installed a new kind of pedestrian-crossing signal that increases pedestrian safety and improves traffic flow. The signals as hybrid pedestrian beacons, are adjacent to Edison Elementary School at 3125 N. Hancock Ave., 1700 N Weber St, and at 17th and Colorado Ave.
Hybrid pedestrian beacons, have been used successfully in 20 states. The signal at Edison was one of the first in Colorado. In 2009, the Texas Traffic Institute found there were 69 percent fewer accidents involving pedestrians and 29 percent fewer crashes overall at beacon sites.
Drivers should familiarize themselves with how the signals operate:
1. Hybrid beacons are dark when not in use, allowing vehicle traffic to progress and saving energy costs. If the signal is dark, keep driving as usual.
2. When a pedestrian activates the signal, the overhead configuration of three lights flashes yellow to warn drivers of a waiting pedestrian.
3. The beacon turns solid red to stop traffic as the pedestrian crosses the street.
4. Finally, the beacon flashes red, indicating that drivers can proceed after stopping and ensuring the crosswalk is clear.
Hybrid pedestrian beacons are being installed as part of a citywide evaluation of traffic signal placement. Beacons will be installed where traffic signals need replacement, but only a pedestrian signal is required, or as needed.
Click here to view video: Hybrid Pedestrian Crosswalk Signals.
For more information, call City Traffic Engineering at 385-5908 or email at TrafficEng@springsgov.com.
