KURA Funds HAWK Pedestrian Signal

KETCHUM, Idaho –Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency (KURA) on Monday, Sept. 21, approved funding for the installation of the High Intensity Activated Cross Walk (HAWK) system. The signal will be placed at the corner of 4th and Main streets.

HAWK signals are pedestrian-activated traffic control devices that help make pedestrian crossings safer for people walking, biking or driving. The system works similar to other pedestrian signal crossings. Pressing the crossing button will activate lights signaling vehicles to stop and allowing pedestrians to cross safely.

For a driver, the HAWK signal appears differently than other traffic lights. At rest, HAWKs remain dark and drivers continue in route. Once triggered, it will then go through a series of yellow and red sequences requiring motorists to slow down and stop., When the pedestrian phase is complete, the HAWK will go dark again, allowing motorists to continue through the intersection.

The HAWK signal will synchronize with the signal at Sun Valley Road and Main Street, where the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will be converting the stop light to a “pedestrian scramble.”

The scramble phase stops all vehicular traffic, thereby allowing pedestrians to cross an intersection in any direction, including diagonally, at the same time. Pedestrian scramble crossings enhance the safety and mobility of pedestrians, although wait times can be longer. This change to the stop light eliminates the right turn on red that is allowed at most intersections but enhances the safety of pedestrians in that no vehicles move through the intersection while pedestrians cross.

KURA adds the HAWK project to a list of others the agency has financed to improve pedestrian movements throughout the city. The KURA has contributed over 1.1 million dollars on improvements such as the Warm Springs sidewalk, sidewalk infill projects in the downtown core and the expansion of 4th Street next to the Community Library.

“I can’t thank the KURA enough for their generous contribution toward the safety of our community,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “The incredible amount of funding they’ve given to build and repair our sidewalks makes us a safer community for our residents and visitors, but also really improves the look of our city,” he added.

At the Ketchum City Council special meeting on Sept. 29, Council approved the contract agreement with Electric One West along with $20,000 in funding for the project. ITD has also partnered on this project by providing poles, mast arms equipment, personnel and various other items and expertise. Synchronizing these types of signals has not previously been done on the Idaho state highway system. ITD is contributing to this project to improve pedestrian safety and work toward better mobility and economic opportunity in the region. The total cost of the project is $183,617.

The city will begin outreach with residents and business owners as we approach spring to provide details on the schedule and operation of the new traffic configurations.