KEARNS, Utah – A new street signal in Kearns is helping pedestrians get across busy intersections safely.
It’s been nicknamed the HAWK – or High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk – for its talon-shaped light signal. With the push of a button, it provides a safer cross for pedestrians and reduces delays for drivers.
When the yellow lights flash on at the crosswalk at 4715 South and 4180 West in Kearns, motorists are warned that a red light will follow, much like other traffic lights, but following those solid red lights, the lights will start to flash after a time.
“The red signal then starts flashing and what that means is if all is clear on the sidewalk, the motorist can then proceed to go across,” said Leon Berrett, operations associate director for Salt Lake County Public Works.
Berrett says no stopping is required when the lights are off.
The HAWK signal isn’t the first in the state and more could pop up in other heavy traffic locations if this one improves safety and traffic flow.
