What's known as a Hi-Intensity Activated Crosswalk, or HAWK signal, is now installed along Kenmore Avenue at the Rails to Trails intersection in North Buffalo. Thursday's dedication of the crosswalk marks the end of a reconstruction project along the busy Buffalo road.
The traffic control device is designed to improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists crossing Kenmore Avenue by providing more warning to motorists. The signal remains unlit until a user presses a button to activate the system. The signal will then blink yellow, turn solid yellow and then solid red. Once the time to cross the street expires, the red light will blink, alerting drivers to look and be sure that the crosswalk is cleared before proceeding. The signal light then goes dark again until the next pedestrian or bicyclist arrives.
Officials say the HAWK signal will further improve safety for those using Buffalo's Rails To Trails path, which eventually links up with the Town of Tonawanda's Rails To Trails route.
"With the addition of this light, it really makes things safer for those individuals that are utilizing the Rails to Trails, going from the city into the suburbs and vice versa," said State Senator Tim Kennedy, one of the numerous elected leaders present for the ceremony.
The activation of the HAWK signal completes an $8.5 road reconstruction project on Kenmore Avenue. The span between Fairfield and Main Street underwent mill and overlay. Other sections of Kenmore Avenue were reworked in 2013 and 2014.
The project was funded by a mix of local, state and federal dollars. The state contributed $1.09 million toward this year's work, while the City of Buffalo and Erie County combined to provide $365,000 for the reconstruction. The Buffalo Sewer Authority added $300,000 toward the project.
