The University of Colorado and the City of Boulder are teaming up to install the “HAWK,” or High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk.
Construction on a new crosswalk, which began over spring break, continues this week on Regent Drive across from the Regent Auto Park.
Due to the dense traffic on Regent Drive between the Engineering Center and Regent Auto Park, CU decided to update the current crosswalk. Megan Rose, the Communications Specialist for planning, design, and construction for the University of Colorado, said cars back up due to long lines of pedestrians crossing at the current crosswalk.
“An underpass would be a preferable option, but can cost millions of dollars,” Rose said. “This, [HAWK], is a more affordable solution.”
The HAWK is unlike your average crosswalk. Rose said the HAWK is better than installing a traffic light or keeping the non-signalized crosswalk that is there now.
“The HAWK signal is only activated when a pedestrian pushes the button, rather than stopping traffic when no one is near the crosswalk,” Rose said. “This allows cars to flow freely when people aren’t around, and allows groups of pedestrians to go through at once, rather than a steady string of individuals which can back up traffic.”
The construction is set to be completed on April 6. However, the current torn-up road is unsettling for some students.
Jakob Anderegg, a 21-year-old junior mechanical engineering major, said he parks at the Regent Auto Park everyday and uses the crosswalk when going to and coming from class.
“Regent is a mess right now,” Anderegg said. “I personally never had a problem with the old crosswalk, but I know there has been some issues in the past. During construction, walking and driving are both difficult because one lane is closed off right in front of the entrance to the parking lot. Hopefully once it’s all done it will actually help the traffic because Regent definitely gets pretty busy in the mornings.”
CU and the City of Boulder are spending $98,000 on the project.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Courtney Thienes at Courtney.thienes@colorado.edu.
