Pedestrian-Friendly, High-Tech Crossing Device Opens at Manor Park, Detroit Avenue Intersection

Work is wrapping up on a new high-tech Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at the intersection of Detroit and Manor Park avenues.

The pedestrian hybrid beacon is a new traffic control device approved by the Federal Highway Administration. The new signal is designed to stop traffic only as needed when pedestrians are present.

The new signal is installed and functioning.

The pedestrian crossing, the first of its kind in Northeast Ohio, promotes walkability and safety, said Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers.

“The installation of this pedestrian hybrid beacon is a result of the administration continuing to listen to the community and identifying and pursuing options that make sense for our walkable neighborhoods,” Summers said. “This progressive project is a great example of that. We need to keep adapting to the needs of our residents.

A 2011 traffic study found that the intersection did not meet the volume requirements for a traffic signal. However, the city of Lakewood received grant funding — to the tune of $70,000 — to pay for the new traffic control device.

“We regret that the project took this long,” said Joe Beno, the city’s director of public works. “The delays of the contractor pushed back the completion of the project.”

Unlike a yellow flashing beacon, the pedestrian hybrid beacon signals the motorists to stop for a pedestrian. Unlike a standard traffic signal, the pedestrian hybrid beacon allows motorists to proceed through the crosswalk if clear of pedestrians during the flashing red phase.

Each vehicle must stop before proceeding through the crosswalk.

“This helps us maintain our goal of being a walkable city, and this encourages a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle,” said Mark Papke, the city’s engineer.

In addition to the new crosswalk at Manor Park, there is also a new pedestrian hybrid beacon at Clarence and Madison avenues, moved from its previous location a block east at Grace Avenue. City officials expect that new signal to be completed soon.