Pedestrian Highway Beacon (PHB)

ADOT to activate pedestrian hybrid beacon at Pima Drive and Acoma Boulevard in Lake Havasu City

ADOT to activate pedestrian hybrid beacon at Pima Drive and Acoma Boulevard in Lake Havasu City

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to activate pedestrian hybrid beacon at Pima Drive and Acoma Boulevard in Lake Havasu City

ADOT to activate pedestrian hybrid beacon at Pima Drive and Acoma Boulevard in Lake Havasu City

May 13, 2021

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation and Lake Havasu City have partnered to help improve pedestrian safety by constructing a pedestrian hybrid beacon at the intersection of Pima Drive and Acoma Boulevard. The beacon will be activated on Monday, May 17.

A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a traffic control device that assists pedestrians in crossing a street or highway at a marked but unsignaled crosswalk. This special type of traffic light utilizes a system of indicator lights and signs that alerts drivers and controls vehicle traffic.

Information about how the beacon works is available at azdot.gov/phb.

The pedestrian beacon activates after a button is pushed by a pedestrian. Traffic is alerted to stop with a flashing yellow light followed by a solid yellow light and then by two solid red lights, providing motorists with an unmistakable message to stop. 

At this point, the pedestrian is signaled to walk safely across the street and the associated pedestrian countdown signal indicates how much time is left to cross the street. During this period, motorists are required to stop and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street. 

Motorists may proceed with caution when the red lights begin to flash alternatively and the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.

The project was administered by ADOT on behalf of the city. Lake Havasu City will retain control of the pedestrian signal going forward.

ADOT's pedestrian hybrid beacon study wins national award

ADOT's pedestrian hybrid beacon study wins national award

ADOT's pedestrian hybrid beacon study wins national award

ADOT's pedestrian hybrid beacon study wins national award

By Lori Baker / ADOT Communications
July 28, 2020

An ADOT research study about pedestrian hybrid beacons received a national award from the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO).  

The study evaluated pedestrian hybrid beacons, which are traffic control devices that assist pedestrians crossing a street or highway at a marked but unsignaled crosswalk. This special type of traffic light uses a system of indicator lights and signs that alerts drivers and controls vehicle traffic.

The “Evaluation of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons on Arizona Highways” study, conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, assessed a total of 10 beacons in Bullhead City, Gilbert, Pima County, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sierra Vista, Tempe and Tucson, said Senior Research Project Manager Bill Stone, who managed the study. 

"Previous studies showed beacons improved pedestrian safety with posted speed limits of 30 to 40 miles per hour. The new study found that beacons were also effective on higher-speed roads, with speed limits ranging from 40 to 50 miles per hour," Stone added.

The ADOT study showed drivers yielded at high-speed beacon sites an average of 97%. There also was a 25% reduction of severe total crashes, a 46% reduction of pedestrian-involved crashes and a 29% reduction of severe rear-end crashes.

This is the first time that ADOT has received AASHTO’s “Sweet 16” award, which recognizes the top 16 “High Value” research projects for 2020.

Pedestrian beacon makes crossing US 70 safer in reservation community

Pedestrian beacon makes crossing US 70 safer in reservation community

Pedestrian beacon makes crossing US 70 safer in reservation community

Pedestrian beacon makes crossing US 70 safer in reservation community

September 12, 2018

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

An ADOT project has made crossing US 70 safer for those living in the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation community of Bylas.

Community leaders and ADOT officials have turned on a pedestrian hybrid beacon giving those on foot a signal to use a crosswalk while alerting drivers to stop.

Bylas is located in Graham County, about 44 miles east of Globe and about 34 miles west of Safford.

The beacon is located Centerpoint Road near Mount Turnbull Apache Market, at a marked crosswalk located at a spot with no traffic signal. It uses a system of indicator lights and signs.

Pedestrians push a button to activate the beacon, then cross safely when the WALK symbol appears. For a more detailed explanation of how the system works, click on the video above.

Pedestrian hybrid beacons have been installed across the nation, including the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, to improve pedestrian safety. This is the second pedestrian-activated beacon in this part of Arizona. The first is near Globe High School on US 60.

US 70 project includes major upgrades in reservation community of Bylas

US 70 project includes major upgrades in reservation community of Bylas

US 70 project includes major upgrades in reservation community of Bylas

US 70 project includes major upgrades in reservation community of Bylas

July 2, 2018
US 70/Bylas Improvements

By Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications

Last week we let you know about two projects improving US 70 on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in east-central Arizona.

This post highlights one of those projects and the improvements underway in a reservation community about halfway between Globe and Safford. In addition to repaving US 70 between mileposts 293 and 297, this $9 million project is making some big changes for the better in Bylas, including raised medians, pedestrian walkways, a pedestrian hybrid beacon and drainage work.

Bylas Map

The photos above, taken in February, show the many upgrades coming to this community.

The work includes adding a pedestrian hybrid beacon, which helps pedestrians safely cross the road. That will be the first on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Information about how the beacon works is available at azdot.gov/phb.

US 95 San Luis street improvements completed

US 95 San Luis street improvements completed

US 95 San Luis street improvements completed

US 95 San Luis street improvements completed

June 24, 2015

The $11 million project is designed to ease traffic congestion, enhance pedestrian safety and improve access to downtown businesses.

By Dustin Krugel
ADOT Office of Public Information

As the second-busiest border crossing in Arizona, the San Luis Port of Entry has experienced growing traffic congestion and it’s why the Arizona Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Yuma County and the city of San Luis partnered on a project to provide several improvements in the downtown San Luis area to improve traffic circulation, enhance pedestrian safety and improve access to downtown businesses.

Following eight months of construction, ADOT completed the $11 million project on budget and on time after crews applied the final lane striping on US 95 (Main Street) last week and lifted all traffic restrictions.

The project, which started last fall, included rerouting San Luis Port of Entry traffic away from the busy business district, which has significant pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and moved port of entry traffic to two local roads that were converted to one-way streets in an effort to relieve some of the traffic congestion and enhance safety.

Now northbound traffic from the San Luis Port of Entry is diverted to First Street and southbound port of entry traffic uses Archibald Street.

“More than six million people travel annually through the San Luis Port of Entry,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “With continuing growth across the international border in San Luis, Sonora, Mexico, it’s become a priority to ensure the safety of the thousands of pedestrians and bicyclists who access the downtown business district in San Luis every day.”

By rerouting vehicle traffic from the San Luis Port of Entry away from Main Street, access to businesses located along Main Street was improved to better accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. In addition, it allowed for additional parking and benches, and new pavement, pavement striping and landscaping, which was partially funded through a Transportation Enhancement grant the city of San Luis received in 2009.

Two roundabouts were also built to facilitate traffic, including one at the intersection of US 95 (Main Street) and D Street, and a second, smaller one at Urtuzuastegui Street and US 95 (Main Street).

ADOT also installed the first pedestrian-activated signalized crosswalk in Yuma County, located at the intersection of US 95 (Main Street) and Urtuzuastegui Street. This special type of traffic light, known as the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, is a system of indicator lights and signs that controls vehicle traffic to assist pedestrians in safely crossing a major street or highway at a marked crosswalk that does not have a standard traffic signal.

ADOT also worked with the Yuma County Flood Control District to install a new stormwater drainage system within the downtown area, at the same time the street enhancements were under construction.

In addition, the city of San Luis plans to remove and replace the pavement on B and C Streets between Main Street and Archibald Street at a later date to complement the recently completed improvements.

“The San Luis City Council would like to thank the community for their on-going support during the Main Street Improvement Project,” said city of San Luis Mayor Gerardo Sanchez. “We would also like to thank ADOT, Federal Highway Administration and Yuma County for working with the City of San Luis with this project. We are pleased with the improvements and beautification throughout the city’s downtown area.”

New pedestrian-activated crosswalk on US 95 (Main Street) in San Luis to be active today

New pedestrian-activated crosswalk on US 95 (Main Street) in San Luis to be active today

I-17 101 traffic interchange

New pedestrian-activated crosswalk on US 95 (Main Street) in San Luis to be active today

New pedestrian-activated crosswalk on US 95 (Main Street) in San Luis to be active today

May 19, 2015

PHOENIX — The first pedestrian-activated signalized crosswalk in Yuma County, located at the intersection of US 95 (Main Street) and Urtuzuastegui Street in San Luis, will be operational starting Wednesday morning, May 20.

The specialized traffic light, known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, is part of an ongoing Arizona Department of Transportation improvement project in the downtown San Luis area to improve traffic flow to and from the U.S.-Mexico Port of Entry, enhance bicyclist and pedestrian safety, and improve access to downtown businesses.

This special type of traffic light, which has been deployed in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas and across the nation to improve safety for pedestrians, is a system of indicator lights and signs that controls vehicle traffic to assist pedestrians in safely crossing a major street or highway at a marked crosswalk that does not have a standard traffic signal.

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to become familiar with how a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon operates. Printable instructions may be downloaded at azdot.gov/PHB.

The light is activated after a button is pushed by a pedestrian. Traffic is alerted to stop with a flashing yellow light followed by a solid yellow light and then by two solid red lights, providing motorists with an unmistakable message to stop. At this point, the pedestrian is signaled to walk safely across the street and the associated pedestrian countdown signal indicates how much time is left to cross the street. During this period, motorists are required to stop and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street, and then motorists may proceed with caution when the red lights begin to flash alternately and also the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.

Steps for Activation:

  • When there is no pedestrian waiting to cross, drivers see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. A pedestrian who wants to cross the street will need to push the button to activate the system.
  • When a pedestrian pushes the button, approaching drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW light for a few seconds, indicating that they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Pedestrians will continue to see a “DON’T WALK” symbol and should wait.
  • Drivers will see a STEADY YELLOW light, warning drivers the indication will soon turn to a STEADY RED light. Pedestrians will continue to see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and should continue to wait.
  • Drivers will see a STEADY RED light, which requires them to STOP at the stop line. At this point, the pedestrian receives a “WALK” symbol to cross.
  • As the pedestrian crosses the street, drivers will see ALTERNATING FLASHING RED lights, indicating that they need to STOP and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street. Drivers may proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear. Pedestrians will see a flashing countdown that indicates how much time they have to cross the street.
  • At the end of the flashing countdown, drivers will see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. Drivers may continue to proceed through the crosswalk if it is clear; pedestrians waiting to cross will have to push the button to re-activate the system.

Motorists traveling on US 95 (Main Street) should be alert for the change in traffic control at the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon that allows pedestrians to stop vehicles traveling in both directions.

The $11 million San Luis Street Improvements Project, which started in October 2014, is slated to be completed by the end of next month.

Understanding the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

Understanding the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

Understanding the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

Understanding the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

April 23, 2015

Since ADOT installed its first pedestrian hybrid beacon back in 2012, motorists have likely noticed more and more of these devices…

They’re designed to assist pedestrians who are crossing a street or highway at a marked but unsignaled crosswalk. This special type of traffic light utilizes a system of indicator lights and signs that alerts drivers and controls vehicle traffic. Pedestrian hybrid beacons have been deployed across the nation, including the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, to improve safety for pedestrians.

If you’ve ever had a question about how to use one, today’s video should provide the answers!

You can also revisit some of our previous blog posts or check out azdot.gov/PHB for even more details.

New pedestrian-activated crosswalk on SR 90 in Sierra Vista to be active next week

New pedestrian-activated crosswalk on SR 90 in Sierra Vista to be active next week

I-17 101 traffic interchange

New pedestrian-activated crosswalk on SR 90 in Sierra Vista to be active next week

New pedestrian-activated crosswalk on SR 90 in Sierra Vista to be active next week

April 17, 2015

PHOENIX — The first pedestrian-activated signalized crosswalk in Cochise County, located on State Route 90 at the intersection with Rainbow Way/Toscanini Avenue, just east of the junction with State Route 92 in Sierra Vista, will be operational starting Tuesday morning, April 21.

The specialized traffic light, known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, is part of an Arizona Department of Transportation project to improve pedestrian safety on the highway.

This special type of traffic light, which has been deployed in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas and across the nation to improve safety for pedestrians, is a system of indicator lights and signs that controls vehicle traffic to assist pedestrians in safely crossing a major street or highway at a marked crosswalk that does not have a standard traffic signal.

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to become familiar with how a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon operates. Printable instructions may be downloaded at azdot.gov/PHB.

The light is activated after a button is pushed by a pedestrian. Traffic is alerted to stop with a flashing yellow light followed by a solid yellow light and then by two solid red lights, providing motorists with an unmistakable message to stop. At this point, the pedestrian is signaled to walk safely across the street and the associated pedestrian countdown signal indicates how much time is left to cross the street. During this period, motorists are required to stop and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street, and then motorists may proceed with caution when the red lights begin to flash alternately and also the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.

Steps for Activation:

  • When there is no pedestrian waiting to cross, drivers see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. A pedestrian who wants to cross the street will need to push the button to activate the system.
  • When a pedestrian pushes the button, approaching drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW light for a few seconds, indicating that they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Pedestrians will continue to see a “DON’T WALK” symbol and should wait.
  • Drivers will see a STEADY YELLOW light, warning drivers the indication will soon turn to a STEADY RED light. Pedestrians will continue to see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and should continue to wait.
  • Drivers will see a STEADY RED light, which requires them to STOP at the stop line. At this point, the pedestrian receives a “WALK” symbol to cross.
  • As the pedestrian crosses the street, drivers will see ALTERNATING FLASHING RED lights, indicating that they need to STOP and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street. Drivers may proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear. Pedestrians will see a flashing countdown that indicates how much time they have to cross the street.
  • At the end of the flashing countdown, drivers will see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. Drivers may continue to proceed through the crosswalk if it is clear; pedestrians waiting to cross will have to push the button to re-activate the system.

The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is one element of a $1.7 million project that includes construction of a mile-long shared-use pathway along the south side of SR 90 and new roadway lighting.

The project will be complete next week and motorists traveling on SR 90 east of the junction with SR 92 should be alert for the change in traffic control at the pedestrian hybrid beacon that allows pedestrians to stop vehicles traveling in both directions.

Motorists in Bullhead City reminded to follow pedestrian crossing on State Route 95

Motorists in Bullhead City reminded to follow pedestrian crossing on State Route 95

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Motorists in Bullhead City reminded to follow pedestrian crossing on State Route 95

Motorists in Bullhead City reminded to follow pedestrian crossing on State Route 95

April 7, 2015

PHOENIX — In an effort to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce delays for motorists in Bullhead City, the Arizona Department of Transportation installed a specialized traffic light at the intersection of State Route 95 and Fifth Street in 2013.

ADOT, in conjunction with Bullhead City, is reminding motorists to become familiar with how the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon operates.

This special type of traffic light, which has been deployed across the nation, including the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, to improve safety for pedestrians, is a system of indicator lights and signs that controls vehicle traffic to assist pedestrians in safely crossing a major street or highway at a marked crosswalk that does not have a standard traffic signal.

“I'm pleased that ADOT is working to clarify what is permissible with this traffic control device,” said Bullhead City Mayor Tom Brady. “This has been a source of frustration for all of those who sat and waited for motorists to proceed when they didn't have to wait.  Remember, flashing red means stop and proceed with caution once the pedestrian crosswalk is entirely clear.”

The indicator light gets activated after a button is pushed by a pedestrian. Traffic is alerted to stop with a flashing yellow light followed a solid yellow light and then by two solid red  lights, providing motorists with an unmistakable message to stop. At this point, the pedestrian is signaled to walk safely across the street and the associated pedestrian countdown signal indicates how much time is left to cross the street. During this period, motorists are required to stop and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street, and then motorists may proceed with caution when the red lights begin to flash alternatively and also the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.

Steps for Activation:

  • When there is no pedestrian waiting to cross, drivers see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. A pedestrian who wants to cross the street will need to push the button to activate the system.
  • When a pedestrian pushes the button, approaching drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW light for a few seconds, indicating that they should reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Pedestrians will continue to see a “DON’T WALK” symbol and should wait.
  • Drivers will see a STEADY YELLOW light, warning drivers the indication will soon turn to a STEADY RED light. Pedestrians will continue to see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and should continue to wait.
  • Drivers will see a STEADY RED light, which requires them to STOP at the stop line. At this point, the pedestrian receives a “WALK” symbol to cross.
  • As the pedestrian crosses the street, drivers will see ALTERNATING FLASHING RED lights, indicating that they need to STOP and remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street. Drivers may proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear. Pedestrians will see a flashing countdown that indicates how much time they have to cross the street.
  • At the end of the flashing countdown, drivers will see that all indication lights are dark; the pedestrian will see a “DON’T WALK” symbol. Drivers may continue to proceed through the crosswalk if it is clear; pedestrians waiting to cross will have to push the button to re-activate the system.

Printable instructions may be downloaded at www.azdot.gov/PHB. Printed copies of the instructions are also available at the ADOT Kingman District office, 3660 E. Andy Devine Ave., and at Bullhead City Hall, 2355 Trane Road.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 5-1-1.

SR 387 improvement project includes new pedestrian hybrid beacon

SR 387 improvement project includes new pedestrian hybrid beacon

SR 387 improvement project includes new pedestrian hybrid beacon

SR 387 improvement project includes new pedestrian hybrid beacon

November 6, 2013

A pedestrian hybrid beacon will be installed as part of a project on SR 387.

When we heard that a new improvement project on SR 387 would include the installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon, we thought now would be as good a time as ever to provide a little refresher on these traffic control devices…

Even if your commute doesn’t take you into Casa Grande (that’s where the project is), you’ll still want to pay attention because PHBs have been used to improve service for pedestrians throughout the country, including the Tucson and Phoenix metro areas (ADOT installed its first PHB last year in Globe). Maybe you’ve already encountered one.

What is a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon?
PHBs are a type of device used to warn and control traffic at unsignalized locations to assist pedestrians in crossing a street or highway at a marked crosswalk. It will signal traffic to stop with a red light, but only when necessary for pedestrians to cross.

2013-1106-phb

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Operation

You can see the chart at left for a detailed look at what motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists can expect.

When there is no pedestrian or bicyclist waiting to cross, motorists will see that all three lights are dark. But, once a pedestrian pushes the button to cross, drivers will first see a flashing yellow light indicating they need to reduce speed and be prepared to stop.

Next, drivers will see a steady yellow light. Pedestrians are still not walking across at this point (they'll see a "Don't Walk" symbol), but drivers should be aware.

Then the red light is illuminated, which, of course, means STOP. Pedestrians will get the signal that it’s safe to walk across the street.

2013-1106-blog387map

SR 387 Project Map

As the pedestrian crosses the street, drivers will see alternating flashing red lights, indicating that they need to stop. During this period, motorists are required to stop or remain stopped until pedestrians have finished crossing the street (pedestrians will see a flashing countdown, which indicates how much time they have to cross).

And that’s it. Once the flashing countdown is over, drivers will see that all lights are dark again and may continue to proceed through the crosswalk – as long as it’s clear.

This project includes more than just the PHB installation. A 2.6-mile section of SR 387 (Pinal Avenue) between Florence Boulevard (SR 287) and Santa Cruz Wash Bridge will get roadway and sidewalk improvements. The work includes

  • Removing and replacing pavement on Pinal Avenue and curb and gutter improvements throughout project limits.
  • Replace and upgrade sidewalks to meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards.>
  • Restriping new roadway surface.
  • Installation of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at San Carlos Trail school crossing.
  • Remove and replace guard rail on Santa Cruz Wash Bridge.

Work is expected to wrap up in spring 2014. For the latest on the project, including traffic alerts, visit the SR 387 project page.