New HAWK Signals to Go Live in Cheyenne Next Week

Two new HAWK (high-intensity activated crosswalk) signals are scheduled to go into service in Cheyenne next week.

City Traffic Engineer Rick Amen says the signal on Western Hills Boulevard at Moccasin Avenue in front of McCormick Junior High School where 13-year-old student Makaili "Mak" Evans was hit and killed by an SUV on Nov. 5, 2021, is set to begin operation Monday afternoon.

• RELATED: UPDATE: McCormick Jr. High Student Hit and Killed by SUV Near Campus

The signal on East Pershing Boulevard at McCann Avenue near Baggs Elementary School is scheduled to begin operation Tuesday afternoon.

"Both signals are upgrades to existing crosswalks and are on routes students use to get to school," Amen said in a release.

The city currently has one HAWK signal on Yellowstone Road near Davis Elementary School, but Amens says drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists should be aware of how the new signals work.

During times of no pedestrian activity, the traffic signals remain dark or appear off for motorists until a pedestrian activates the push-button. While the vehicle signal is dark for motorists, the pedestrian signal displays the “Don’t Walk” symbol and vehicles may proceed through the crosswalk at regular speed.

When a pedestrian or cyclist presses the button, approaching drivers will see a flashing yellow light for a few seconds. This indicates that drivers should reduce speed and be prepared to stop for the crosswalk ahead. The flashing yellow is followed by a solid yellow light and then by a solid red light, requiring drivers to stop at the stop line.

The pedestrian will then receive a “Walk” symbol on the pedestrian signal. The pedestrian should look both ways to be certain the crosswalk is clear of traffic, then proceed to use the crosswalk.

After a short “Walk” indication interval, the pedestrian signal will display a flashing “Don’t Walk” symbol, and a countdown timer will be activated. When this occurs, no other pedestrians should enter the crosswalk. At this same time, the motorists will see alternating flashing red lights. Once all pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk, motorists may cautiously proceed even as the vehicle signal continues flashing red. Upon completion of the flashing red phase, the vehicle signal indication then goes off or dark and motorists are free to proceed through the intersection until the next pedestrian activates the system.

To see a video explanation of a HAWK system, click here.