Pedestrian traffic signal added to Ave. B, Fifth St.
The first pedestrian signal in unincorporated Yuma County is expected to begin operating Tuesday after the last signs around it are installed.
The beacon will protect an existing crosswalk on Avenue B at Fifth Street, just north of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and School and on the edge of the city of Yuma limits.
Deputy County Engineer Frank Sanchez said the crosswalk was first painted across Avenue B 20 years ago or more, but it doesn’t fit current engineering standards.
“Per regulations, there shouldn’t be a crosswalk across a street that’s 45 miles per hour or higher, and Avenue B is 45 miles per hour (speed limit),” he said.
The county hired consulting firm Greenlight Traffic Solutions to analyze the intersection this summer for a possible traffic light after it received a request from the church and surrounding neighborhood.
It was part of a broader study concerning street lighting warrants, presented to the county Board of Supervisors in August.
While it wasn’t busy enough to meet the minimum requirements for a traffic light, a pedestrian-controlled signal was recommended.
“There are a lot of children from the adjacent neighborhood across Avenue B who use that to get to school. And obviously on Sunday a lot of people cross the street to go to church,” he said.
The pedestrian signal, also known as a HAWK beacon, is activated by pedestrians just like at a typical intersection with a full set of traffic lights. The light at first flashes yellow for a couple of seconds to alert drivers that someone is about to cross, before turning solid red.
At that point all vehicles must stop and allow the pedestrian to cross. After several seconds the red light begins to flash, and vehicles can proceed after stopping to make sure the pedestrians are clear, Sanchez said.
When it’s not operating, drivers can proceed through the light without any stopping or slowing down.
“It’s a little confusing,” Sanchez said. “That’s going to be one of the signs that we install on our poles — If flashing red, proceed with caution.”
The cities of Yuma and San Luis have both installed these type of signals, so county personnel have been learning from their experiences, Sanchez said.
The signal and installation is costing about $150,000, and is being paid for by county highway revenue funds.