High-tech crosswalk beacons now active in El Centro

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - The City of El Centro has activated new pedestrian hybrid beacons at two busy intersections along Imperial Avenue.

The new signals are located at Imperial Avenue and Holt Avenue, and Imperial Avenue and Barbara Worth Drive. City officials say the goal is to make it safer for people to cross the street without slowing down traffic.

The system is known as a HAWK beacon, which stands for High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk. It is the first of its kind in the county.

The signals are only activated when a pedestrian pushes the button to cross. Drivers will first see flashing yellow lights, warning them to slow down. The signal then turns red, requiring drivers to stop while pedestrians cross. Once the crosswalk is clear, the light begins flashing red. Drivers must stop and can then proceed when it is safe. When the signal is dark, traffic moves as usual.

Jason Lopez, who lives nearby, says he welcomes the new addition.

“My dad actually got in a car crash right here, so I think these would be very useful,” Lopez said.

Both intersections are near high-traffic areas, including Central Union High School and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

El Centro Public Works Director Abraham Campos says the project has been in the works for at least five years through a grant focused on active transportation.

“One of the hard messages that we received from the public and from the schools was to increase pedestrian safety,” Campos said.

City officials say they hope the new system will improve safety for pedestrians while keeping traffic flowing along one of the city’s busiest roads.