Alpharetta Installs New Pedestrian Crossing Signal

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Alpharetta, GA -- Pedestrians will soon have a safer and convenient way to cross Main Street in the heart of downtown Alpharetta.

This will become a reality when the city activates a new mid-block pedestrian crossing on Dec. 21. The crossing will feature a crossing signal, known as the HAWK Pedestrian Beacon, similar to one in use on Old Milton Parkway near Wills Park.

“The introduction of the parking deck near City Hall has greatly increased the number of pedestrians who want to cross Main Street between the Town Green and Smokejack,” said Alpharetta Public Works Director Pete Sewczwicz. “Unfortunately, unless a police officer is present, a large number of drivers do not obey the law requiring them to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, so we knew that a typical pedestrian crossing on Main Street would not be a safe solution. The HAWK answers the problem by creating a temporary red light that makes motorists stop.”

When activated by a pedestrian, the HAWK signal will first turn yellow to warn drivers before turning to red to indicate that traffic should come to a complete stop.

After a few moments the red signal will begin to flash, indicating that drivers can proceed if no pedestrian is in the crosswalk.

Studies have shown a 67 percent improvement in motorist compliance with laws requiring them to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk when a HAWK beacon is used in comparison to traditional crosswalks, the city states.

The city of Johns Creek last week rolled out a HAWK pedestrian signal along Barnwell Road near Barnwell Elementary School in its jurisdiction.

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Image via Federal Highway Administration