By the end of the year, Merriam will add two more HAWK lights on City streets. HAWK lights are similar to a conventional crosswalk signal but are considered safer because they are more visible to drivers.

Merriam will place the new HAWK lights at Goodman Street and Johnson Drive and at Mastin Street and Johnson Drive by the end of the year replacing the current traffic signals. Currently, there are HAWK lights at Antioch and 61st streets and at 67th and Knox streets.

How it works: the light remains dark until a pedestrian activates a walk button. The flashing yellow light followed by the steady yellow light means drivers should proceed with caution. Drivers must stop once there is a steady red signal. Once the red lights start alternating, you stop at the HAWK light but can then can drive through if the pedestrian has safely crossed the road.

View a HAWK light video demonstration. Call Public Works at 913-322-5570 with any questions.