SALT LAKE CITY - The Hogle Zoo is working to make things safer for visitors and their families.
If you have ever had to park across the street, you have experienced how dangerous it can be crossing Sunnyside Ave. to get to the zoo with just a cross walk and no stop sign.
The zoo is now installing a new "HAWK Walk" to help make the area safer for families and drivers.
Officials said the roadway is highly traveled by cars and pedestrians; about 10,000 people visit the zoo each weekend.
Now, a new "high-intensity activated cross walk" or "HAWK signal" will help keep everyone safe in the area.
Officials said the HAWK signal only lights when activated by a person who wants to cross the street.
When the walker presses the button, the signal flashes yellow telling drivers to prepare to stop.
When the light becomes solid yellow, drivers must come to a stop.
The traffic signal then flashes red and toggles back and forth which means once people have crossed the street, drivers can proceed through the intersection.
Transportation leaders said too many people are seriously injured in the area and the accidents are preventable.
Officials said the HAWK signal is not a new concept, several are already installed across Salt Lake including at 1300 E., the south end of Liberty Park and along 8th South.
City officials said residents can expect more with $3.5 million in 20 transportation projects which should be completed by the end of the year.
