How to use the new HAWK Pedestrian Signal on 
Connecticut Avenue at Lenox Street

April 2023 Crier Article

As we enter the warmer months of the year, many residents look forward to walking through the community and they now have a safe way to cross Connecticut Avenue.  A HAWK signal was installed at the beginning of the year on Connecticut Avenue at Lenox Street.  A HAWK (High-Intensity Activated cross WalK) signal is a traffic control device used to stop road traffic and allow pedestrians to cross safely at marked crosswalks.  HAWK signals are an alternative to traffic control signals and allow protected pedestrian crossings, stopping road traffic only as needed.

How it works:

The HAWK signal lights will remain dark until a pedestrian presses the activation button on a pole.  The HAWK signal will then display a rapid flashing yellow pattern cycling to a steady yellow and then a steady red signal.  When the signal turns red for vehicles on Connecticut Avenue, pedestrians may cross briskly in the crosswalk after confirming that traffic has stopped and it is safe to do so.  At the end of the steady red cycle, the signal will then begin a flashing red cycle at which time vehicles may proceed after coming to a complete stop and confirming that no one is still in the crosswalk.  After several seconds of a flashing red, the signal will go dark and traffic may resume normally.

Although the HAWK signal is very effective at stopping traffic and providing a safe crossing for pedestrians, some motorists may not stop in obedience to the red light.  Please do not begin to cross without looking to make certain that vehicles in all lanes have stopped.