New Signal at Binney Street and Sixth Street

The City of Cambridge has installed a HAWK (High-intensity Activated crossWalK) beacon at the intersection of Sixth Street and Binney Street. This traffic signal, the first of its kind in Cambridge, is designed to allow pedestrians to cross safely while limiting the impact on the flow of traffic as much as possible.

The HAWK beacon, which is also known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB), consists of one yellow light under two red lights. When pedestrians are not trying to cross or have not activated the signal, all three lights will be off and traffic can proceed through the intersection. However, once a pedestrian pushes the crosswalk button, the yellow light begins to flash, warning drivers to slow down. Next, the yellow light switches from flashing to steady, and drivers should prepare to stop. When both red lights are illuminated, pedestrians will be able to cross and the pedestrian signal will display the “Walk” sign. Finally, in the last stage, the pedestrian signal will show a flashing “Don’t Walk” with a countdown and the two red lights will alternate flashing. During this phase, drivers should stop at the stop line, but may proceed if the intersection is clear, just as they would at a stop sign.

For a streamlined, visual example of how the beacon works, see this DDOT brochure.

As the HAWK signal is completely new to Cambridge, it may take drivers and pedestrians some time to adjust. To ease this transition, the City is in the process of creating and installing signs to clarify the signal’s phases to drivers.