Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

HAWK Technology

High Intensity Activated Crosswalk System

Pedestrian crosswalk system

About HAWK technology

The HAWK crosswalk is a unique design and has proven to be safer and more effective than conventional crosswalk designs. The acronym HAWK stands for High intensity Activated cross WalK.

The HAWK crossing system to be effective for the motorist, safer for the pedestrian and less costly to build than full blown traffic signal systems. The systems are also more energy efficient than traditional signal systems as the vehicle signal heads go black when the system is not in use.

The unique double red signal display above a single yellow display gets the motorist's attention by the unusual shape of the display cluster.

Hwy 169Vineland

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe installed a HAWK signal system at Hwy 169 at Ataage Dr. in Vineland. The technology became operational December 2020.

Hwy 23 St. Cloud

A HAWK signal system on Hwy 23/Division Street at 12th Avenue adjacent to the library and Tech High School near Lake George. The technology became operational October 2009.

HAWK signal on Hwy 23 in St. Cloud

HAWK crosswalk signal installed on Hwy 23 in St. Cloud. Photo by Jenny Seelen