How to Navigate the HAWK Traffic Signal System at North Beach-Surf City Border
A HAWK (High-intensity Activated CrossWalk) was installed on Long Beach Boulevard at the southern end of North Beach, where that section of Long Beach Township meets Surf City, in 2016. It has since caused some confusion.
The crosswalk system features push-button activation for pedestrians; when crossing pedestrians are not present, the signal simply appears off to vehicles. When the signal is dark to vehicular traffic, there is a solid hand, “don’t walk” indication for pedestrians.
“Once the pedestrian pushes the crosswalk button, the HAWK wakes up by displaying flashing yellow to vehicular traffic,” an instructional video, available online at youtube.com/watch?v=6_rym0bYINU, explains.