Pedestrian-activated crossing beacons are being installed in Ann Arbor at four locations along Plymouth Road (at Georgetown Boulevard, Traver Village, Beal and Bishop streets) and at the intersection of South Seventh and West Washington streets.
When activated by a pedestrian, the crossing sign will display a flashing yellow beacon, indicating that someone is waiting to cross or is currently walking across the street. This signal alerts drivers to stop behind the painted stop bar in the road until the pedestrian has safely crossed the street. Pedestrians must confirm that oncoming vehicles have stopped before stepping into the road. Motorists may not pass vehicles that are stopped at a crosswalk.
These devices are also called by traffic engineers “Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons,” which refers to the rectangular light bar that is attached to a standard pedestrian crossing sign. Crosswalk beacons provide enhanced communication and safety between pedestrian and drivers at busier crosswalks where there is not already a traffic signal or a “HAWK” crossing device.