Project News and Updates

Pedestrians crossing Backlick Road in Springfield between Highland Street and the Beltway overpass now have a safer walkway thanks to a new HAWK Signal. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 30, 2016, with elected officials; Lynbrook Elementary School staff, students and PTA representatives; VDOT and FCDOT staff; and community advocates. Photos from the event are posted on Facebook.

Renderings of the new signals and crosswalk are below:

Please use the online submission form on this page or call 703-877-5600 with any questions.

FCDOT ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need this information in an alternate format, contact FCDOT at 703-877-5600, TTY 711. Requests for assistance must be received at least 7 business days in advance of an event.

About the HAWK

The HAWK (High-Intensity Activated CrossWalK) Pedestrian Beacon increases pedestrian safety by improving motorist stopping behavior. The signal is located between two signalized intersections and will remain dark when not in use. Once a pedestrian pushes the button to cross, the follow sequence is activated:

• The HAWK beacon begins flashing yellow to indicate to drivers someone will be using the crosswalk.
• The signal turns solid yellow, advising drivers to stop if it is safe to do so.
• The beacon then turns solid red, requiring drivers to stop at the stop line.
• When the beacon flashes red, drivers can proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear.
• The beacon signal finally returns to a dark state.

After pressing the button to cross, pedestrians need to wait for the HAWK signal to engage with traffic before crossing the street. Only cross when the pedestrian sign is lit indicating it is safe to cross. If you see the flashing hand while crossing, continue to the other side. However, do not step into the road if you see the flashing hand and you have not yet begun to cross. In this case, please push the button and wait for the pedestrian sign to light up, indicating it is time to cross.

For more information, please see the HAWK Signal Brochure or Guía (Spanish).

Project Background

A safer pedestrian crossing will help connect the residents of the Chelsea Square Apartments and others walking to the east side of Backlick Road to Lynbrook Elementary School, transit stops and more (and vice-versa). In anticipation of the new HAWK signal, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and Department of Public Works (FCDPW) worked with the Lynbrook Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to design and construct new sidewalks, which was completed in Summer 2015. The new walkways are five feet wide, moved the sidewalks further away from the road, and included new fence.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is currently installing the HAWK signal and anticipated finishing in August 2016. The total budget for the project is approximate $225,000, with contributions coming from FCDOT, FCDPW and VDOT.