Maricopa County Department of Transportation
News Release
Public Affairs
Transportation Planning
2901 West Durango Street
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Phone: 602-506-8003
Fax: 602-506-4882
www.mcdot.maricopa.gov
For additional information:
Roberta Bonaski: 602-506-8003
Perrine Mann: 602-506-8054
MCDOT MEDIA LINE
602-50-MEDIA -- 602-506-3342
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 24, 2014
NEW TRAFFIC LAWS ACCOMPANY
NEW ANTHEM CROSSWALK SIGNAL
Anthem, AZ--- The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has recently
initiated design for a signalized pedestrian crosswalk at Gavilan Peak Parkway and Venture
Drive. The new crosswalk, slated for construction this summer, includes a HAWK (High-Intensity
Activated Crosswalk) traffic signal that resembles a traditional traffic signal light, but combines
special features to help make crosswalks on busy streets safer.
“Compared with a standard traffic signal, the HAWK pedestrian signal provides faster service to
pedestrians and less delay to motorists,” said Steve Poole, MCDOT Traffic Signal Manager.
“Pedestrian safety is at the heart of the HAWK.” It combines special features such as adjusted
settings for slower paced individuals and push-button activation. The new HAWK signal also
emits an audible tone for sight-impaired pedestrians indicating when it’s safe to cross the
roadway.
How the HAWK Crosswalk Signal Works:
1. The HAWK signal will only light when activated by a pedestrian who wants to cross the
roadway. When the crosswalk button is pressed, approaching drivers will see flashing yellow
lights for a few seconds, indicating they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop for a
pedestrian in the crosswalk.
2. The flashing yellow signal lights will change to solid yellow lights for a brief period and then
turn to solid red, indicating drivers must stop and pedestrians may now proceed through the
crosswalk.
3. The solid red signal lights will then turn to flashing red signal lights. After coming to a
complete stop to make sure there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk, drivers may proceed
through the flashing red lights. The HAWK signal will then remain “dark” until activated again by
a pedestrian.
“The HAWK is specially designed to enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians,” said
Poole. “Unlike a standard signalized intersection with a traffic light facing all four directions, a
HAWK pedestrian signal only faces traffic crossing the crosswalk and does not have any traffic
signals facing side streets. Any side street that is controlled by a stop sign will continue to be
controlled by a stop sign when a HAWK signal is in place.”
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yellow light and then a solid yellow light just prior to turning red, but with a standard traffic signal,
a flashing yellow light simply means drivers may proceed with caution. With a HAWK signal