New 'Hawk' Traffic Signal Installed at Newtonville Intersection

It's unlike any other traffic light or crosswalk you will see in the city, or even the state.

The city recently installed a new traffic signal/beacon at the intersection of Crafts Street and Linwood Avenue, a measure that aims to improve pedestrian safety in an area where three students were struck in late 2010 and early 2011. 

Newton Police Capt./Acting Chief Howard Mintz, who commands the department's Traffic Bureau, told Newton Patch earlier this week the new signal is known as a "HAWK beacon" (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk).

When a pedestrian pushes the "walk" button, the beacon flashes a yellow light and then a red light, telling the cars to stop for the person in the crosswalk. Pedestrians also have a countdown clock that tells them how long they have to cross the street. 

Stop signs remains at the Linwood Avenue parts of the intersection. 

In November 2010, . Both were their way to F.A. Day Middle School, although only one female was actually in the crosswalk. 

Two months later, on the way to school. 

All three students only sustained minor injuries. 

The new signal came with a $75,000 price tag, according to the city's 2013-2017 Capital Improvement Plan. The state's Chapter 90 highway funding covered the cost of the signal, according to city CIP documents. 

According to those same CIP documents, HAWK signals are planned for at least four other intersections in the city, including one on Beacon Street near  and one at Parker Street and Theodore Road.