HAWK Crosswalk Signals Are Growing in Popularity in Colorado – How Do They Work?

Seeing as how Colorado is known for being a state that puts "fitness" high among its priorities, it makes sense that we'll be seeing more of these HAWK crossings. Windsor installed one in early 2026 where a popular trail crosses a busy highway; pedestrians and cyclists must find it to be a godsend.

How Do HAWK Crosswalk Signals in Colorado Work?

HAWK crosswalk signals stand for High intensity Activated CrossWalk; it's a bit convoluted, sure, but it's memorable. They do look different, definitely catching your attention, and they do operate differently than the usual crosswalk signals you're used to seeing. These particular crosswalk have 3 flashing lights:

• All Three Lights are Dark: Vehicles can pass, pedestrians must wait.
• One Flashing Yellow in the Bottom Light: Vehicles should begin to slow and be ready to stop. Pedestrians wait.
• Solid Red in the Top Two Lights: Vehicles stop, pedestrians can cross.
• Flashing Red Lights: Vehicles that were stopped can proceed with caution; if you come up on the flashing lights, treat it as a stop sign: come to a complete stop, then proceed if clear.

READ MORE: Senior Community in Windsor Named After Local Legend

How Much Do These Special HAWK Crosswalks Cost?

In 2019, FOX31 Denver stated that the ones Denver had installed costed between $200,000-$400,000. With the Windsor one, I reached  out to the Town of Windsor and was informed that theirs (along Colorado Boulevard near River W Drive) cost the town just over $211,000, and was installed by Adiona Transportation Solutions, LLC.

Windsor's HAWK Light Was Necessary

I can see where the crosswalk in Windsor needed to be different; Colorado Boulevard (CR 13) can be very busy, and there's a bit of a "blind spot" when vehicles are traveling southbound, due to the bridge going over the Poudre River. Hundreds of pedestrians/cyclists trek the Poudre Trail in Windsor every week, keeping them safe while they enjoy the trail is paramount.