Alpharetta to activate pedestrian crossing signal downtown

Alpharetta officials aim to make crossing Main Street downtown safer and more convenient with the activation of a mid-block pedestrian signal on Monday. It will be located between the Town Green area and restaurants and shops on the west side of Main.

Public works officials say because a large number of drivers don’t brake for pedestrians in traditional crosswalks, they’re installing what’s known as a HAWK pedestrian beacon, which will turn red and temporarily stop drivers when a pedestrian activates it.

The city said it’s installing the equipment because pedestrian jaywalking has exploded in response to the completion of the parking deck near the Town Green. Officials said there’s no existing mid-block crossing there.