​New Traffic Control Device Brings Increased Pedestrian Safety to Bowie 

(March 1, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has activated a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) beacon at the intersection of MD 197 (Collington Road) and Lerner Place in Bowie. The pedestrian crossing safety device is the first of its kind on a State-maintained highway in Prince George’s County.

HAWK beacons are traffic control devices designed to help pedestrians safely cross high-volume roads safely at a marked crosswalk.

Pedestrians seeking to cross MD 197 at Lerner Place can activate the beacon by pushing a button like a standard pedestrian crossing. The HAWK beacon remains dark until it is activated by a pedestrian who engages the “Walk” button. Once activated, the HAWK beacon will flash yellow, then change to steady yellow, followed by steady red lights. Drivers must stop once the steady red lights appear, allowing pedestrians to enter the marked crosswalk. The signal will flash red until all pedestrians have finished crossing.

HAWK Signal at MD 197

The new beacon will allow for easier access to a local park, a nearby school, and the East Coast Greenway. The State Highway Administration partnered with the City of Bowie and its residents to deliver the HAWK signal at this intersection.

As part of the State Highway Administration’s “Context Driven” guide, engineers receive guidance on how to customize roadway features to fit local community characteristics, such as the urban core, urban center, traditional town center, suburban activity center, suburban and rural. These features include lower speed limits, continental crosswalks, and specialized signals.​