The Public Works Department maintains 63 traffic signals within Pittsburg. However, traffic signal “timing” (the length of time a specific signal will remain green for example) is established by the Engineering Service Department. To save on electrical cost the Public Works Department converted all of the City’s green and red traffic signal lights to Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology. The red and green lights operate the longest and therefore use the most electricity. Utilizing LED lights not only saves money, but they also last much longer. Therefore, overall maintenance cost is reduced by also reducing the labor cost to replace burned out incandescent light bulbs.

The City has also equipped almost all of it’s traffic signals with battery backup systems (BBS). A BBS can keep a traffic signal operating in the all-way red flash mode during a power failure. With some City traffic signals the combination of the new BBS technology and the LED lights mentioned above, will allow the signal to operate normally for up to four hours without PG&E power.

All suspected traffic signal malfunctions should be reported the Public Works Corporation Yard at (925) 252-4936. If you have questions about signal “timing” you can also report these concerns to the Engineering Services Department.

THE HAWK SIGNAL 

The City has installed three High Intensity Activated CrossWalK (HAWK) signals along Stoneman Ave, located at the intersections of Briarcliff Dr, Meadowbrook Circle and Meadowbrook Ave. 

HAWK signals are a tool to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross busy intersections without impeding traffic. Here is how the HAWK signal works:

DRIVERS:

• HAWK signals operate in a FLASHING YELLOW- YELLOW–RED–FLASHING RED sequence to alert motorists that pedestrians need to cross the road. 

• Unlike traffic signals, the HAWK only operates when a pedestrian pushes the crossing button. Vehicles are free to move when no one is crossing the street.

• Motorists should respond to flashing and solid yellow and flashing and solid red lights in the same manner as any other traffic signal. After stopping for the red light, motorists may proceed through the crossing area during the flashing red light interval only when safe to do so without risk to pedestrians.

PEDESTRIANS:

• The pedestrian the signal works similarly to other push-button-activated traffic signals in the city. Push the button activation and wait for the solid hand signal to turn to a walk signal. 

• Lights on the HAWK signal are activated when the pedestrian pushes the button at either end of the crossing.

• Pedestrians can safely begin walking when traffic stops. The walk signal will change to a pulsing hand signal with a countdown; at that time the pedestrian can continue walking but other pedestrians that have not started walking will need to wait and reactivate the HAWK for a new crossing opportunity. 

Click here for a video of the HAWK signal, in use, from the driver and pedestrian point of view.

Below are helpful flyers regarding how to use the HAWK signal.