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File #: 25-0041    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Staff Report Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 3/28/2025 In control: City Council Workshop
On agenda: 4/8/2025 Final action:
Title: Follow-up: High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Signal Brief Description: This is a follow-up discussion from November 26, 2024, Council Workshop. During the workshop, Council requested staff further investigate the potential installation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB, also known as a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk, or "HAWK" signal) on Aurora Street at East Main Street or Church Street at North Main Street. Council also requested a review of the potential removal of the mid-block crossing on North Main Street and possible improvements to the existing flashing beacon system. Staff will present an updated study evaluating these options.
Indexes: Engineering
Attachments: 1. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Follow Up Study 031925, 2. Walking Route Exhibit, 3. FHWA Hybrid Signal Fact Sheet
Related files: 24-0090

Title

Follow-up: High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Signal

Brief Description:   This is a follow-up discussion from November 26, 2024, Council Workshop. During the workshop, Council requested staff further investigate the potential installation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB, also known as a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk, or "HAWK" signal) on Aurora Street at East Main Street or Church Street at North Main Street. Council also requested a review of the potential removal of the mid-block crossing on North Main Street and possible improvements to the existing flashing beacon system. Staff will present an updated study evaluating these options.

Body

Legislative History

24-0090 - Discussed on 8/27/2024, Council Workshop.
24-0090 - Discussed at 11/26/2024, Council Workshop

Purpose & Explanation

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (aka HAWK Signal) Study

In August 2024, City staff and Councilor Banweg conducted a walking site visit with a visually impaired resident and a representative from the Cleveland Sight Center in the Aurora Street and North Main Street downtown area. During this meeting, the concept of introducing a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signal at the crosswalk on Aurora Street at East Main Street was discussed.

A summary of the field visit was discussed with Council at the August 27 Workshop, where Council requested a review to determine the feasibility of implementing a HAWK signal (also known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)) at the intersections of Aurora Street/East Main Street, Church Street/North Main Street, and the mid-block crosswalk on North Main Street. Staff presented the results of the initial study to Council at the November 24 Workshop.

At the November workshop, to ensure a thorough review of potential improvements for visually impaired individuals navigating downtown, Council requested further analysis of the traffic impacts of installing a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at either the East Main Street/Aurora Street or Church Street/North Main Street intersection. As part of this ongoing evaluation, Council also requested reviews of the following: the impact of removing the mid-block crosswalk on North Main Street on pedestrian connectivity; the coordination of a future PHB with planned adaptive traffic signals; and potential enhancements to the existing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at crosswalks in or near downtown.  A copy of the City’s Traffic Safety Consultant’s Evaluation is included.

Staff will review the updated study recommendations and discuss future Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon improvements, or other improvements to be implemented downtown.

Fiscal Impact

                                            Currently Budgeted

                                            Supplemental Appropriation Required

                     X                       Appropriation Not Required.

 

Recommendation

Suggested Action

City staff is requesting further Council input on the implementation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (or HAWK signal) and other pedestrian enhancements along North Main Street and/or Aurora Street.

 

Submitted by,

Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager

Brian Griffith, Assistant City Manager

Bradley Kosco, P.E., P.S., City Engineer

Jon Szalay, P.E., Senior Engineer