Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)

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Also referred to as a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk or HAWK), a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) is a traffic control device designed to assist pedestrians crossing a roadway at a midblock location or an uncontrolled intersection. The beacon head consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens. The lenses remain dark until a pedestrian desiring to cross the street pushes the call button to activate the beacon. When activated, the beacon displays a yellow-to-red lighting sequence consisting of flashing and steady lights that directs motorists to slow down and come to a stop, providing the right-of-way to the pedestrians to safely cross.

WalnutPHB

Vision Zero Framework
Traffic control devices, like PHBs, seek to create a safer environment by separating users in time and reducing interactions.

Unlike a standard traffic signal, intersections with a PHB do not have any traffic signals facing the side street approaches. Any side street that is controlled by a stop sign will continue to be controlled by a stop sign when a PHB is in place, and drivers are supposed to wait for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Read more about the safety benefits of a PHB from the Federal Highway Administration.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons in Cary

Walnut Street at Cary High School – Project Webpage

Evans Road at Crabtree Creek Greenway - Greenway Webpage

Green Level Church Road at Jewel Creek Drive - Google Maps

EvansRoadPHB

Vision Zero Framework Traffic control devices, like PHBs, seek to create a safer environment by separating users in time and reducing interactions.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons in Cary

Vision Zero Framework
Traffic control devices, like PHBs, seek to create a safer environment by separating users in time and reducing interactions.