News & Announcements

New Pedestrian Signal on 56th Street in City of Wyoming

Posted on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | News & Announcements

Wyoming, Michigan, Nov. 15, 2022 – Drivers traveling on 56th Street will now see a new signal marking a busy Kent Trails pedestrian crossing. 

The new HAWK signal – also known as a pedestrian hybrid beacon – will assist pedestrians crossing 56th Street at the Kent Trails crossing. The signal is the first of its kind in Wyoming.

The pedestrian signal is different than a standard traffic signal. It remains dark unless activated by someone who wants to cross 56th Street. The lights on the pedestrian signal become active when someone pushes the call button on either side of 56th Street. 

The crossing works as follows:

  • The light will first flash yellow and then change to solid yellow to warn drivers they need to slow down. It will then change to solid red to allow for pedestrians to cross.
  • People driving on 56th Street must follow the yellow caution and solid red lights in the same manner as any other traffic signal.
  • Yellow means prepare to stop.
  • Solid red means one must come to a complete stop.
  • After stopping for the solid red light, the red lights will begin flashing. People driving may proceed through the crossing when the red lights begin flashing and the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.
  • People who want to cross 56th Street should press the pedestrian call button and then wait until the sign displays the white “WALK” signal. Pedestrians can then cross like they would at a regular traffic signal.
  • The countdown pedestrian signal will let those crossing the street know how long they have left before the crossing phase is over.
  • As at any street crossing, it’s important that people proceed with caution when crossing the street. They should always watch for people driving who might fail to stop.

The new pedestrian signal provides a safer location for people to cross 56th Street to continue on the Kent Trails. This type of signal is new to Wyoming but has been used across the state and country in recent years. The lights enhance crossing locations on busier roads with high pedestrian crossing activity, high traffic volume and high speeds.

For more information on how to use the HAWK signal as a driver and pedestrian, click here.

To see a video of the HAWK signal, click here.  


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