Pasadena installs first HAWK pedestrian signal at Washington and Hudson; DOT says more are planned

The City of Pasadena has installed its first HAWK pedestrian signal at Washington Boulevard and Hudson Avenue, Scott Johnson of the Department of Transportation said on a local community program.

"It's a new safety treatment. It's called the Hawk signal," Johnson said, explaining the device is pedestrian-activated and remains dark until someone presses the button. "If a pedestrian presses it, they'll get a walk indicator ... Vehicles will receive a red signal to have them stop." He said the signal then displays a flashing red for drivers that should be treated like a stop sign before returning to a dark state.

Johnson said the treatment focuses on pedestrian safety across wide, multi-lane streets while reducing delay for drivers when no one is crossing. "Additionally, it's significantly cheaper than a full traffic signal," he said, adding that the lower cost makes it feasible to install more such treatments at additional locations.

The city has identified Allen Avenue and Locust Street as a next planned location, near the local A-line station, Johnson said. He described the Washington and Hudson installation as the first in Pasadena and said the Department is evaluating other sites.

On the program, Johnson cited federal research supporting the treatment's effectiveness. "Recent research documents show this can reduce pedestrian related crashes by up to 55%," he said, characterizing the device as a "proven safety countermeasure."

For residents seeking more information, Johnson pointed listeners to Pasadena Transit social media channels and to a short project link he provided (bit.ly/hawksignal), where the city posts a project video and further details.

What the HAWK does The HAWK (pedestrian-activated) signal operates in stages: after a pedestrian activates it, drivers first see yellow, then a full red; after the pedestrian clears, drivers face a flashing red and must stop and yield like they would at a stop sign. When inactive, the signal remains dark and vehicles proceed normally. City staff say that operational pattern both prioritizes pedestrian crossings and limits unnecessary traffic delay.

Next steps The city framed the installation as an incremental safety measure: because HAWK devices cost less than full traffic signals, Johnson said, Pasadena can add them at more locations where mid-block or wide intersections lack safe crossings. The Department of Transportation is monitoring the installed device and planning further placements.

The city said it will continue to post updates and outreach materials on Pasadena Transit channels and on the HAWK project page at bit.ly/hawksignal.