State-of-the-Art Crosswalk Project Improves Safety for Bicyclists & Pedestrians on State Route 165 in Hilmar

Published: Apr 05, 2024

HILMAR - High school students and other pedestrians are safer today thanks to a new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)/High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) system installed in front of Hilmar High School. Caltrans today announced the completion of a $2.4 million project that installed the new system at the intersection of State Route 165/Lander Avenue and Campbell Street.

The HAWK system provides a safe and effective traffic management solution when an intersection, such as SR-165 and Campbell Street, does not require a full traffic signal but does need additional controls to allow people to safely cross the road. Pushing a button activates the system and causes vehicles to stop for a red signal light, making it safer for crossing pedestrians. Meanwhile, the alternating red signal heads allow vehicles to proceed once pedestrians have cleared the travel lane, making it more efficient for drivers.

The new PHB/HAWK system was made possible thanks to $900,000 in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and $1.5 million in State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) funds. The project included roadway excavation work to install new striping and lighting, along with the removal and replacement of concrete curbs, sidewalks and curb ramps.

"We are very pleased with this added safety feature in our community. The HAWK system will improve student safety as they cross Lander Avenue and benefit our community when visiting the Hilmar High School campus for school activities," Superintendent of Hilmar Unified School District Isabel Cabral-Johnson said.

This public safety project received support from the Hilmar community and will benefit students and pedestrians using the SR-165/Campbell Street intersection for many years to come. Installation of the new PHB/HAWK system - which includes two red lights positioned above a single yellow light - provides motorists with enough warning to slow down and stop at the crosswalk, thereby enhancing pedestrian safety and greatly reducing the severity of potential collisions at this intersection.

When a pedestrian or bicyclist presses the crosswalk button, the signal lights are activated. After displaying brief flashing and steady yellow lights, the HAWK then displays a steady red light for drivers and a "WALK" indication for pedestrians, allowing them to cross the roadway while traffic is stopped.

"HAWK systems are well known to provide more safety at busy intersections, and safety is a top priority in everything we do," Caltrans District 10 Interim Director Grace Magsayo said. "I thank the residents of Hilmar for their enthusiastic support in adding this safety measure to their city and the state highway system."

IIJA, known as the "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law," is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. Since 2021, California has received nearly $37 billion in IIJA funds, including more than $24.6 billion for transportation-related projects.

For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit RebuildingCA.ca.govand Build.ca.gov.

Caltrans also reminds motorists to #KnowBeforeYouGo by checking www.quickmap.dot.ca.govfor real-time highway conditions prior to travel.

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.