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Enhancing Pedestrian Safety with HAWK System in Juneau: Success Stories and Lessons Learned

Learn how Juneau improved pedestrian safety with HAWK systems at key locations. Explore case studies, accident history, community partnerships, and solutions. Discover why educating drivers is crucial.

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Enhancing Pedestrian Safety with HAWK System in Juneau: Success Stories and Lessons Learned

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  1. Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Carolyn Morehouse, PE; Statewide Preconstruction Engineer’s Meeting January 30, 2013

  2. Juneau’s Experiencewith the HAWK By Floyd Dryden Middle School in Mendenhall Valley (on Loop Road) By Walmart in Lemon Creek Neighborhood (on Glacier Highway)

  3. 1 Mile Walking Radius Garnet Street Floyd Dryden Nancy Street

  4. Mendenhall Blvd Traffic Signal Floyd Dryden Crosswalk Stephen Richards Traffic Signal

  5. Mendenhall Blvd – Stephen Richards Where can children cross Loop Road to get to school?

  6. Crash History 2002 – 2006Stephen Richards – Back Loop 1 Mile Segment Surrounding Crosswalk: • Types • 6 Pedestrian Crashes • 3 Bicycle Crashes • Outcome • 2 Fatalities • 1 Major Injury • 3 Minor Injuries

  7. 2007 Accident • Student was brushed by a vehicle while crossing Loop Road December 2007

  8. Partnering • DOT, School District, CBJ, Floyd Dryden Community • All have a role • Safe Routes to School program

  9. Past Project 2003 • Replaced 20MPH flashing beacons • Installed overhead illuminated school zone signs • Installed new luminaires

  10. 2007 • November 20, 2007 received email from concerned Floyd Dryden Middle School parent. • Traffic staff evaluated the conditions. • Area lighting and speed zone met standards. • Decided to increase the bulb wattage at the Loop Road Crosswalk and remove high wattage bulb from Drop off Area.

  11. 2007 • Field visit December 3, 2007 to verify plans. • Work order issued December 4, 2007. • Student was hit December 5, 2007. • Lighting work completed December 6, 2007.

  12. Engineers Problem + Analysis + $$$ = Solution

  13. MUTCD • At the time of the Floyd Dryden issue, the 2009 MUTCD had been issued but not adopted by Alaska. • New MUTCD allowed pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK). • Floyd Dryden HAWK installation was allowed as experimental for a 5-year period per FHWA approval letter of 3/11/09. • Project was funded by Safe Routes to Schools.

  14. New Project Proposal:The HAWK

  15. Source: Texas Transportation Institute, 2006

  16. 1 4 Pedestrian Beacon Sequence 2Flashing 5Wig-Wag Return To 1 3

  17. Proposal: Install HAWK on Existing Mast Arms

  18. HAWK Accessories • Pushbutton • Emits audible “Beep” • Visible LED flash • Pedestrian Signal Head • Countdown Timer

  19. 1st HAWK, operational Oct. 13, 2009

  20. Juneau’s 2nd HAWK June 2011: late-night hit-and-run at Walmart Intersection used to be signal-controlled before Sunny Pt. Signal had been decommissioned for years but poles, mast arms, and cabinet were left in place. Decision was not to restripe crosswalk. 12-hour traffic and ped count of corridor revealed light activity, not enough to reinstall signal. But indicated several crossing locations were being used (including midblock locations). HSIP project underway to install a concrete median as well as two other locations. Region changed the location from concept approved so it was removed from project.

  21. Juneau’s 2nd HAWK Recommendation was to restripe the crosswalk and provide handheld flags. This was completed in August 2011. December 2011 - two juveniles struck in crosswalk. Immediate response was to add reflectorized tape to the handheld flags, add a 250-watt luminaire, and trim adjacent tree branches.

  22. Juneau’s 2nd HAWK Following meeting with concerned citizens, decision was made to install a HAWK. HSIP project was developed and funded in January 2012. Project was expedited by reusing poles, mast arms, and control equipment of the old traffic signal. Constructed using State Forces Facility was placed into service late March 2012.

  23. Juneau’s 2nd HAWK @ Walmart

  24. Common Issue Teaching drivers “how to use the HAWK” Drivers remain stopped when crosswalk is clear during “wig-wag” phase. SER has put out radio PSA’s, newspaper articles, a HAWK web page on DOT site. Situation persists. May work with JPD and do more public outreach. Can affect capacity but so far, not in JNU

  25. HAWK page on DOT web site http://www.dot.alaska.gov/stwddes/dcstraffic/hawk.shtml

  26. We all have a role • Even the best engineering strategies cannot prevent every crash • Pedestrians must use the tools available to them • Retro-reflective tape • Crosswalks, HAWK, pedestrian overpass, traffic signals • Finding a gap • Pedestrians and drivers must EXERCISE CAUTION at all times

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