A new user-activated traffic signal on Ninth Street near the Haven Avenue intersection was turned on for the first time at 9 a.m. today (June 18).
The signal and a new crosswalk are designed to help bicyclists and pedestrians cross the busy gateway.
A High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signal will be activated only by a push button and will be timed to work only in coordination with the existing traffic light at Ninth Street and West Avenue.
At noon Wednesday,the HAWK signal was placed on flash mode and will remain there for one week so that the public may be educated about the proper operation of the traffic signal, according to Ocean City Police Capt. Steve Ang.
The flashing yellow light allows cars to drive past unimpeded, but it draws attention to the new crosswalk. Bicyclists and pedestrians will not be able to activate the signal until it is made fully operational on June 25.
“This goes along with the original plan of allowing motorists, pedestrians and bicycles the opportunity to be aware that the signal is available and ready for use,” Ang said.
The signal is at the intersection of Aldrich Avenue (near the TD Bank and the Haven Avenue intersection), and it will help provide an easier crossing for bicycles traveling north-south along a safe bicycle corridor under development. It also provides a convenient crossing point for bicycles and pedestrians coming from the new Route 52 causeway path.
City Council awarded a $238,857 contract to Diehl Electric Company of Hammonton in March to complete the work, and the city used a $100,000 state Department of Transportation Safe Street to Transit Program grant for the job.
See brochure below for more details on how the new signal works.
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