Staff Report
Published Sept. 7, 2012
The city of Columbia will activate a new pedestrian hybrid beacon at the intersection of Lincoln and Taylor streets Monday, a further enhancement of a trail emerging for walkers and bikers.
How it worksWhen a pedestrian pushes the button on the hybrid beacon, approaching drivers will see a flashing yellow light, indicating it has been activated. This is followed by a solid yellow light, indicating that motorists should reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Then, double solid red lights will appear, requiring drivers to stop. The double solid red lights are then followed by double flashing red lights. |
The beacon is part of an ongoing project to connect parks and trails throughout the city and along the Congaree, Saluda and Broad rivers.
The Lincoln and Taylor crossing will link a section of newly paved trail that leads from Lady Street, two blocks to Taylor Street. Upon crossing Taylor Street, walkers will have access to Finlay Park. Future connections will include extending the trail along an abandoned rail line toward the river trails.
The beacon is the first of its kind in South Carolina and differs from a traditional traffic signal; it remains dark unless a pedestrian activates the button to begin the signal sequence.
The beacon stops traffic with two red lights over a single yellow light. Much like an intersection with a signal, when the beacon is solid red, vehicles must stop so pedestrians can safely cross the roadway.
The beacon is different in appearance to drivers, but for pedestrians it works the same as any button-activated traffic signal.
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