Pedestrians in Vancouver can look forward to a significant safety upgrade near Prairie High School with the addition of a new pedestrian hybrid signal on State Route 503. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has kicked off the installation of this signal, also known as a High-intensity crosswalk, or HAWK, effective on Monday, according to a WSDOT report. The development comes in response to a traffic incident from January 6, 2023, where a vehicle hit a 14-year-old student, who was crossing SR 503 at an unmarked crosswalk near the school.
During the construction phase, which is to be undertaken by Northeast Electric LLC, commuters should anticipate single-lane closures from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. The sidewalks and shoulders near the crossing will also be closed, with pedestrians redirected to marked detours that ensure safe passage alongside the construction zone. This $1.1 million project aims to safeguard the stretch of highway that sees a flow of 29,000 vehicles per day.
The necessity for improved safety measures was underscored following the accident involving the teen, which led WSDOT to collaborate with the school to conduct pedestrian surveys to identify the optimal location for the new crossing. Slated for a point just south of Northeast 116th Street, the upgrade includes a refuge island, allowing those on foot a secure spot to wait when navigating the multiple lanes of traffic.
A pedestrian hybrid signal is designed to improve safety without causing unnecessary delays for drivers. It stays off until a pedestrian activates it. When activated, yellow and red lights guide drivers: flashing yellow means slow down, solid yellow means stop, and solid red means stop completely until the crosswalk is clear. A flashing red light allows drivers to proceed with caution, making sure no pedestrians are in the crosswalk.
Expected to wrap up by February, the implementation of the new signal should significantly reduce the risk of accidents for pedestrians and improve overall traffic safety in the area. For more detailed information about what to expect during the construction period, including detours and lane closures, visitors can refer to the official WSDOT announcement.
