FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



July 29, 2016



Contact: Matt Mihalevich

Trails Coordinator

Engineering Division

479-444-3416

mmihalevich@fayetteville-ar.gov





Possibility of Pedestrian Crossing at College and Rebecca to Be Evaluated

The City of Fayetteville will be recording crossings made by pedestrians and bicyclists at N. College Avenue in the vicinity of Rebecca Street and Trenton Boulevard starting Saturday, July 30. City staff expects to gather data for one full week and two weekends.



The new, 10-foot wide sidewalk on east side N. College Avenue, from North to Davidson, is open for pedestrian and bicycle use. Transportation crews continue to work on the Davidson to Maple section; street trees and lighting will be installed this fall.



The data collected from the recording will be used by both the City and the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) to evaluate the possibility of obtaining approval from AHTD for the City to install a High-intensity Activated crossWalK (H.A.W.K) beacon on N. College Avenue between Rebecca Street and Trenton Boulevard. The number of pedestrian or bicycle crossings that occur within any given hour will be used to determine if the area meets AHTD requirements. Three H.A.W.K. beacons are already in use within city limits – these are located on Fifteenth Street, S. School Avenue, and Razorback Road.



Suggestions received before and during a public meeting for the College Avenue Improvement Project demonstrated the strong desire from citizens and residents of the surrounding neighborhoods for a safer crossing at this location.



The beacon’s signal is only activated when a pedestrian or bicyclist wishes to safely cross a roadway and presses a button on the beacon pole. Once pressed, drivers see a series of signal lights. First, the signal flashes alternating yellow lights – warning cars to slow down in order to stop. Next, the signal’s two lights turn solid red, directing drivers to make a complete stop at the crossing. Finally, the signal flashes alternating red lights, indicating that the driver can proceed if the crosswalk is clear, much like a stop sign. A lighted crossing signal is activated for the pedestrian or bicyclist indicating a walk signal and displaying count down time for crossing the street.



The recording equipment will be temporarily installed on a building in the area. The equipment uses a wide angle view and time-lapse recording; it does not focus on individuals.



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### July 29, 2016Matt MihalevichTrails CoordinatorEngineering Division479-444-3416The City of Fayetteville will be recording crossings made by pedestrians and bicyclists at N. College Avenue in the vicinity of Rebecca Street and Trenton Boulevard starting Saturday, July 30. City staff expects to gather data for one full week and two weekends.The new, 10-foot wide sidewalk on east side N. College Avenue, from North to Davidson, is open for pedestrian and bicycle use. Transportation crews continue to work on the Davidson to Maple section; street trees and lighting will be installed this fall.The data collected from the recording will be used by both the City and the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) to evaluate the possibility of obtaining approval from AHTD for the City to install a High-intensity Activated crossWalK (H.A.W.K) beacon on N. College Avenue between Rebecca Street and Trenton Boulevard. The number of pedestrian or bicycle crossings that occur within any given hour will be used to determine if the area meets AHTD requirements. Three H.A.W.K. beacons are already in use within city limits – these are located on Fifteenth Street, S. School Avenue, and Razorback Road.Suggestions received before and during a public meeting for the College Avenue Improvement Project demonstrated the strong desire from citizens and residents of the surrounding neighborhoods for a safer crossing at this location.The beacon’s signal is only activated when a pedestrian or bicyclist wishes to safely cross a roadway and presses a button on the beacon pole. Once pressed, drivers see a series of signal lights. First, the signal flashes alternating yellow lights – warning cars to slow down in order to stop. Next, the signal’s two lights turn solid red, directing drivers to make a complete stop at the crossing. Finally, the signal flashes alternating red lights, indicating that the driver can proceed if the crosswalk is clear, much like a stop sign. A lighted crossing signal is activated for the pedestrian or bicyclist indicating a walk signal and displaying count down time for crossing the street.The recording equipment will be temporarily installed on a building in the area. The equipment uses a wide angle view and time-lapse recording; it does not focus on individuals.Please visit this City webpage to learn more about the College Avenue Improvement Project. Visit this website for information about H.A.W.K beacons.