Fairfax County seeks input on new pedestrian signal for Little River Turnpike in Annandale
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| A HAWK signal is planned for this crosswalk on Little River Turnpike at Conwell Drive. |
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation seeks feedback from the community on a HAWK signal planned for Little River Turnpike at the Conwell Drive intersection in Annandale.
The HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) is aimed at improving pedestrian safety, especially as people need to cross Little River Turnpike to get to a bus stop. Pedestrians would be able to press a button to stop traffic.
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| The Little River sidewalk project under construction in May 2020. |
The HAWK signal would prevent drivers on Conwell Drive from making a left turn onto Little River Turnpike.
FCDOT staff is conducting three in-person community pop-up sessions at the Conwell Drive intersection. Local residents are invited to drop by and talk to FCDOT staff about the HAWK signal.
The sessions will be held:
- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 8-11 a.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 10, 4-7 p.m., and
- Monday, Sept. 14, 4-7 p.m.
Social distancing procedures will be effect. The sessions will be canceled it if rains.
FCDOT also encourages people to submit comments to the project team by Sept. 28. Send comments via email to Project Manager Shahla Zahirieh or respond on an online comment form.
The HAWK signal is part of the walkway project along westbound Little River Turnpike between High Place and Pinecrest Parkway.
That project includes 1,800 feet of an eight-foot-wide concrete sidewalk, curbs, gutters, curb ramps, a new bus stop loading pad, retaining wall, and drainage upgrades.
According to FCDOT, a HAWK signal would result in better traffic flow than a flashing or full pedestrian signal, as it is only activated when a pedestrian needs to cross the street.
Once a pedestrian pushes the button to cross, the signal will flash yellow to indicate to drivers that someone will be using the crosswalk. It then turns yellow, advising drivers to stop if it is safe to do so, then turns solid red requiring drivers to stop. The signal will flash red, advising drivers to proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear, then will go dark.
About time! I’ve witnessed many accidents and many close calls…
In my opinion they need to make these systems more uniform with each other. I see some crosswalks with a hand symbol that flashes some with a walk don't walk symbol some that do a countdown. I think this is confusing to people and they don't know when to cross and not cross make them all the same and make it clear as to when to cross and not cross.maybe green light walk signal for crossing and red light to not walk. make it clear quit experimenting.