New HAWK Crosswalk Signal Installed at Manor Park to Improve Pedestrian Safety

Installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon — aka HAWK — has been completed at the intersection of Manor Park and Detroit. Many would simply call this a high-tech crossing signal.

A standard traffic signal used to be in place at the intersection but ODOT determined that a signal at that location wasn't warranted after a traffic study in 2011.

After the removal of the traffic signal, crossing the street at Manor Park became quite hazardous, so much so that Patch editor, Colin McEwen investigated after receiving numerous tips from Lakewood citizens about the problem. Colin's story, City to Review Dangerous Crosswalks published in August of 2013 received much attention from local news media and ultimately, the office of Lakewood Mayor Summers.

The City of Lakewood looked into the matter and found grant money to fund the new crossing signal. Work to install the new signal began in November, 2015.

“The installation of this pedestrian hybrid beacon is a result of this administration continuing to listen to the community and identifying and pursuing options that make sense for our walkable neighborhoods,” said Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers.

"Unlike a traditional traffic light, the new HAWK signal only lights up when someone presses the button to activate it," explained Joe Beno, Lakewood Director of Public Works.

Temporary message boards have been placed on either end of the intersection notifying motorist of the new signal. More information and an instructional video can be found on the City of Lakewood's website.