City leaders gathered Wednesday at the corner of 18th Street and McDowell Road for the ceremonial activation of the 100th high-intensity activated crosswalk, or "HAWK."
City Councilmember Laura Pastor said the Coronado District she represents will especially benefit.
“And as you see behind us how traffic moves and moves quickly and swiftly and fast. And people need to cross. And that is why the HAWK is very important here. As you will see, we will be modernizing more of Miracle Mile," she said.
Pastor said area property owners are investing in improvements that are expected to continue uplifting the area.
When they need to cross near a school or mid-block, a pedestrian would activate the "HAWK" to trigger a clear flashing signal for drivers to stop.
Phoenix city leaders including mayor Kate Gallego gathered Wednesday at the corner of 18th Street and McDowell Road for the ceremonial activation of the 100th high-intensity activated crosswalk, or "HAWK."
“Sadly, we have been a leader in pedestrian fatalities and red light fatalities,” said Deputy Mayor Debra Stark. “We're gonna change that, and this is how we’re gonna change it.”
Mayor Kate Gallego said that the devices were not only designed by a former city of Tucson traffic engineer, but that Phoenix is one of three nationwide leaders in installing them.
“We have doubled the number of pedestrian-related crossings in Phoenix in just five short years,” said Gallego.
She added that the HAWK installation reflects the City Council’s commitment to pedestrian safety and broader support for the "Vision Zero" plan.
