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Council discusses crosswalk safety at Washington and Ashbrook, considers HAWK signals
Summary
Councilmembers raised safety concerns at the Washington/Ashbrook crossing near Lithopolis and discussed adding an on-demand 'HAWK' signal as part of broader path design work with Franklin County and COTA LinkUS; staff said the newer signals would be feasible and likely more effective than the always-flashing beacon currently in place.
Councilmember Patrick Shea reported feedback from a recent Council Connect event that the crosswalk and signaling at Washington and Ashbrook (approaching from Lithopolis) is difficult for pedestrians. "It was noted that it is really hard," Shea said.
Council and staff discussed options to improve safety. Alec McLaughlin noted an "approaching pedestrian" sign already exists. Matt Peoples and Bill Sims explained the existing beacon is always flashing, which can cause drivers to ignore it; they described a HAWK (High Intensity Activated crossWalK) signal as an on-demand option that acts like a stop light when activated and is appropriate for higher-speed roads. Sims said those signals are generally used near schools or busier roads and that the city has tested similar units; Peoples noted an installed example cost about $2,500.
Staff said the crosswalk improvements are being considered as part of a path design from Canal Winchester to Groveport with Franklin County and COTA LinkUS, and that newer on-demand signals that add visibility in both directions would likely be an improvement. Council did not take a formal vote; staff indicated the upgrades should be feasible to add.
