Signs installed to help motorists navigate busy Parkline Trail crosswalk

Hoping to make the array of signals and flashing lights adorning the pedestrian crosswalk where Kalispell’s Parkline Trail intersects with Main Street a little easier for motorists to understand, officials have in recent months installed more detailed explanatory signs.

Drivers approaching the crosswalk on the busy thoroughfare are confronted with two horizontally red lenses above a single yellow lens, forming a downward pointing triangle. Depending on where a pedestrian or cyclist might be on the crosswalk, it could feature a flashing yellow light, solid yellow light, two solid red lights or alternating red lights.

Installed last year to coincide with the opening of the multi-use trail that cuts through downtown Kalispell, the array of signals have, to the casual commuter, caused a bit of confusion about when, and for how long, to brake for those crossing the street.

Although there have not been any reported accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists, the Montana Department of Transportation, in cooperation with Kalispell officials, determined that the crosswalk “would be improved with the new signage,” according to Rebecca Franke, the state’s Kalispell district traffic engineer.

City Manager Doug Russell said in an email he hoped the signs would clarify the rules for motorists approaching the crossing. Franke said that the state department reviewed the sign before the city installed it, deeming it compliant with federal regulations.

When all three lights are dark, motorists can pass through the crosswalk freely. A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down. A solid yellow light cautions motorists to be prepared to stop. Two solid red lights require vehicles to stop while alternating red lights mean drivers can proceed after stopping if the crosswalk is clear.

The new signs, affixed to the poles holding up the signals, clarify that motorists should stop upon solid red lights and proceed when the red lights are flashing.

Known as a hybrid pedestrian beacon, the setup is deemed an “intermediate option between a flashing beacon and a full pedestrian signal,” by the Federal Highway Safety Administration. This type of signal assigns a right-of-way, but allows motorists to proceed once the crosswalk is cleared, limiting the backup of traffic.

A similar signal adorns the terminus of the Parkline Trail at Meridian Road. The other crossings along the trail employ rapid flashing beacons that activate with the approach of a cyclist or pedestrian.

The hybrid pedestrian beacon, which is uncommon in the region, is effective in areas like the U.S. 93 crossing because of the size of the road and the typical speed of motorists through the area.

Hybrid pedestrian beacons are used “where it is difficult for pedestrians to cross a roadway, such as when gaps in traffic are not sufficient or speed limits exceed 35 miles per hour,” according to documents published by the Federal Highway Safety Administration.

The beacons have been found to decrease crashes involving pedestrians by 55 percent, according to a 2017 study.

A 2010 study found a 15 percent decrease in accidents that resulted in a serious injury or fatality.

City Hall celebrated the installation of the signs on social media in June and encouraged motorists to be forgiving of one another in an Instagram post.

“Thanks for your patience with other drivers as we all adjust to how these types of crossings work,” the post read in part.

Reporter Adrian Knowler can be reached at 758-4407 or aknowler@dailyinterlake.com.

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