City of Niagara Falls traveler advisory for Hyde Park Blvd.

The New York State Department of Transportation announced a new High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signal is scheduled to be activated on Hyde Park Boulevard (New York Route 61) in the City of Niagara Falls.

Beginning Tuesday, May 31, motorists should expect to encounter the new HAWK signal in full operational mode on Hyde Park Boulevard at Michigan Avenue, in the vicinity of Hyde Park Elementary School.

The HAWK is used to warn and control traffic at an un-signalized location and will assist pedestrians to safely cross Hyde Park Boulevard. The HAWK consists of two red lenses above a single yellow lens. The beacon remains dark until a pedestrian pushes a button to activate the HAWK. A series of yellow flashes is then followed by a steady red indication to motorists and a “WALK” indication to pedestrians, allowing them to cross while traffic is stopped.

After the pedestrian phase ends, the “WALK” indication changes to a flashing orange hand that notifies pedestrians that their clearance time is ending. The HAWK then displays alternating flashing red indications to motorists while pedestrians finish their crossings before going dark again.

Motorists are advised to obey the posted speed limit and to drive with caution in the vicinity of the new traffic signal, as all users of the road adjust to the new traffic pattern. They are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones, where fines are doubled for speeding. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app. Follow New York State DOT on Twitter @NYSDOT and @NYSDOTBuffalo. Find NYSDOT on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.