On February 3, 2025, the City of Pasadena awarded the Installation of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at Washington Boulevard and Hudson Avenue project. The construction took place to September 2025 through December 2025.
Description:
The project was located at the Washington Boulevard and Hudson Avenue intersection and is the first pedestrian hybrid beacon, also known as High Intensity Activated CrossWalK (HAWK) signal, in the City of Pasadena. The work included furnishing and installing traffic signal standards, traffic signal cabinet and controller, traffic signal equipment, conduits, conductors, pull boxes, curb ramps, fiber optic cables and equipment, signage, and striping.
Justification:
The installation of the HAWK signal enhances pedestrian safety for neighborhood community members, including residents of Hudson Garden Apartments (senior housing), and users of nearby transit stops, Washington Park, and the North Lake Square Shopping Center. The HAWK signal serves as an intermediate option between a flashing beacon and full traffic signal, providing pedestrians with the right of way and positive stop control for vehicular traffic, significantly improving pedestrian safety.
Environmental Analysis:
On February 3, 2025, City Council found the project herein to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines in accordance with Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1, and Section 15303, Class 3. Class 1 consists of minor alterations of existing public facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination. Class 3 consists of construction of limited number of new, small facilities or structures. There are no features that distinguish this project from others in the exempt class and, therefore, there are no unusual circumstances.
Funding:
The project was funded by the Highway Safety Improvement Program Grant 11 (HSIP C11) and the Metro Subregional Program (Measure M MSP) with some additional funding from Commercial Development and Traffic Reduction fees.
How to Use a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon:
For additional information, please see the following video from the Federal Highway Administration that explains the use of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons/HAWK Signals.
Contact:
Danica Lauren Alfajora – Project Manager
Please contact the Public Works Street Lights and Traffic Signals Division at (626)-744-3885 or dalfajora@cityofpasadena.net