Marin County — Caltrans has activated a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) on Tuesday, March 18 on State Route 131 (Tiburon Boulevard) and Ned’s Way in the town of Tiburon.
The PHB is a traffic-control device designed to help pedestrians safely cross higher-speed roadways at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections. The beacon head consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens.
The new beacon will allow pedestrians to cross SR-131 without walking a long distance to a standard traffic signal.
The high-intensity crosswalk is better known by its acronym, HAWK. The signal is fastened to a boom overhanging the road. The beacon will not flash unless someone presses the crossing button. The button activates a series of flashing and solid lights.
When the button is pressed, the signal flashes yellow, warning motorists to slow down. The signal will then become solid yellow, preparing motorists to stop. Next, the signal will turn solid red, halting traffic. During the final phase, the beacon will flash red, signaling motorists that they must stop to look for pedestrians. If none are visible, motorists may proceed. The flashing red phase resembles how motorists would proceed at a stop sign. (See image on the right).
For a video on the HAWK system in Caltrans’ District 4, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ3OJD6gWT4
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time and plan their routes ahead of time.
For 24/7 traffic updates, follow 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay
For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
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