August 29, 2017

CONTACT: Lindsey Wiles

Communications Manager

lwiles@mariettaga.gov

770.794.5509

MARIETTA – The installation of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s pedestrian hybrid beacon on Whitlock Avenue at Cheatham Hill replaced the previous crosswalk between two sections of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. 

For a more detailed explanation of the HAWK system including diagrams and renderings, please click here and read below.

The pedestrian hybrid beacon (also known as the High intensity Activated crossWalK (or HAWK)) is a pedestrian-activated warning device located on the roadside or on mast arms over midblock pedestrian crossings.  The beacon head consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens.  The beacon head is "dark" until the pedestrian desires to cross the street.  At this point, the pedestrian will push an easy to reach button that activates the beacon.  After displaying brief flashing and steady yellow intervals, the device displays a steady red indication to drivers and a "WALK" indication to pedestrians, allowing them to cross a major roadway while traffic is stopped.  After the pedestrian phase ends, the "WALK" indication changes to a flashing orange hand to notify pedestrians that their clearance time is ending. The hybrid beacon displays alternating flashing red lights to drivers while pedestrians finish their crossings before once again going dark at the conclusion of the cycle.