White Plains Installs Signal To Help Pedestrians Cross Mid-Block

WHITE PLAINS, NY — The city of White Plains has installed a “HAWK” signal on Main Street between Lexington Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard.

The HAWK signal is a new kind of signal designed to assist pedestrians when crossing at a mid-block crosswalk.

HAWK stands for high-intensity activated crosswalk.

According to information from the city, most pedestrian fatalities occur at mid-block crossings or on multi-lane roadways at non-signalized locations.

Main Street between Lexington Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard sees many mid-block crossers on their way to and from the White Plains Metro-North station. At this location, Main Street is also a multi-lane road. The HAWK signal gives pedestrians the ability to cross at the most desirable and efficient location while providing only a short disruption to motorists.

When a pedestrian presses the button, approaching drivers will see a flashing yellow signal indicating they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop for pedestrians.

The signal then changes to a solid yellow, then a solid red light, indicating for drivers to stop. Once the dual red lights begin to alternately flash, vehicles must stop for pedestrians but are permitted to proceed if there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk.

When the signal is dark and there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk, cars can continue through the crosswalk.