Worcester Gets First Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon At Busy Crosswalk

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester is getting a new device to help pedestrians walk safely at a busy crosswalk.

Worcester's first pedestrian hybrid beacon will be installed on Route 20, near Price Chopper. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is installing the traffic control device designed to help pedestrians cross safely at midblock crosswalks or intersections on higher-speed roadways.

The beacons have two red lights and one yellow light. A pedestrian will push the button when they want to cross, and the yellow light will begin flashing to alert drivers to start slowing down. Then the light will turn solid yellow.

Next, the light will turn red, which tells drivers to come to a complete stop and let the person cross. The red lights will then begin flashing to signal that the crossing time is ending.

These beacons have been proven to reduce pedestrian crashes by 55 percent and reduce serious injury and fatal crashes by 15 percent, according to the city. It also reduces total crashes by 29 percent.

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