A new pedestrian crosswalk signal on Highway 169 near Grand Casino Mille Lacs is expected to help keep pedestrians safer through an innovative design that makes it more visible to motorists. | MorgueFile
A new pedestrian crosswalk signal on Highway 169 near Grand Casino Mille Lacs is expected to help keep pedestrians safer through an innovative design that makes it more visible to motorists. | MorgueFile
Travelers on Highway 169 may see an unusual new form of crosswalk signal near Grand Casino Mille Lacs, north of Ataage Drive, intended to make the newly-installed crosswalk more visible to motorists.
The High intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) has a double red dot over a single yellow dot meant to get the attention of drivers by providing an unusual shape, according to a press release from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The new signal went into operation on Dec. 8, and motorists need to be on the lookout for the change in traffic patterns, as well as be prepared to stop for pedestrians in the roadway.
"The HAWK design has proven to be safer and more effective than conventional crosswalk designs," the release states.
The new signal cost $361,988 to install, according to the release. The project was led by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and the contractor on the project was Anderson Brothers.
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