A busy stretch of Route 1 in the Woodridge neighborhood of D.C., just south of Mount Rainier, is slated to get a pedestrian-activated traffic control signal designed to make crossing safer.

Called a high-intensity activated crosswalk, or HAWK signal, the pedestrian crossing light is normally dark but runs through a red-yellow-green cycle when the crosswalk button is pushed or a sensor detects a pedestrian nearby.

Plans for this new traffic signal are in the works for the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue Northeast and Thayer Street Northeast, where a number of storefront shops and restaurants reside, including Zeke’s Coffee roastery, Provost, Art Enables, and the new Emma’s Torch cafe.

HAWK signals are considered better for motorists than stoplights since they only turn on when pedestrians are using the crosswalk, so they don’t slow traffic, though some drivers say they find the signals confusing as they aren’t entirely like normal stop signals and some argue that a regular full traffic signal would be preferable.

Still, they are one solution to help pedestrians cross safely, a concern for a wider, high-volume roadway like on Route 1. Data suggests that they reduce crashes and increase driver compliance with crosswalk laws.

This is especially important as the U.S. has seen a dramatic uptick in pedestrian deaths, especially at night, since 2009, according to government fatality data.

HAWK signals are one solution to making Route 1 safer for pedestrians, along with asphalt art, curb extensions, and reducing roadways.

There is a HAWK signal in College Park, where the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail intersects with Campus Drive, although Maryland transportation planners have opposed them in the past.

Meanwhile, local ANC Commissioner VJ Kapur said in a comment on Instagram, “there’s still time to improve the outcome of this intersection, including to push DDOT for a full traffic signal which would make a much bigger impact.”

You can visit Kapur’s page here to learn more about the work being done to help improve this intersection and others nearby.

To learn more about HAWK signals, click here for a helpful guide.

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