Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons

A pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) is a traffic control device that was imported to the US and adapted by engineers to increase motorists' awareness of pedestrian crossings at uncontrolled marked crosswalk locations. A PHB is distinct from traffic signals and constant flash warning beacons because it is only activated by pedestrians when needed.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon in Belgrade, MT

A pedestrian hybrid beacon in Belgrade, MT

As a Pedestrian...

See this? Do this!
pedestrian hybrid beacon with solid hand signal Push the Button to Cross
pedestrian hybrid beacon with solid hand signal Wait
pedestrian hybrid beacon with solid hand signal Continue to Wait
pedestrian hybrid beacon with white walk signal Start Crossing
pedestrian hybrid beacon with orange numbers counting down
(counting down)		 Continue Crossing
pedestrian hybrid beacon with solid hand signal Push the Button to Cross

As a Driver...

See this? Do this!
pedestrian hybrid beacon with nothing lit up Proceed with Caution
pedestrian hybrid beacon with yellow light flashing
(flashing)		 Slow Down
(Pedestrians have activated the push button)
pedestrian hybrid beacon with yellow light solid Prepare to Stop
pedestrian hybrid beacon with red lights solid STOP!
(Pedestrians in Crosswalk)
pedestrian hybrid beacon with red lights alternately flashing
(alternately flashing)		 STOP!
(Proceed with Caution if Clear)
pedestrian hybrid beacon with nothing lit up Proceed with Caution

Where in Montana?

Wondering where you can see one of these new beacons? Check them out here:

Belgrade: East Belgrade Interchange roundabouts & intersection of Northern Pacific Ave. and Alaska Road roundabout

Billings: intersection of 4th Avenue N. and N. 20th Street

Resources

How to Use a PHB - Video - WisDOT
Printable Signal Information
Guide - Federal Highway Administration

Questions?

Stan Brelin
Traffic Operations Engineer
406-444-6135 | Email