Case Study: Conversion of Solar Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) to a Solar HAWK or Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB):

Abstract

The town not only improved the safety at this crosswalk, but also at another school crosswalk in the town on a narrow street with lower speeds by relocating the RRFB equipment (onto new supports) which was more suitable for that particular location and traffic conditions.  This project provided a total gain in crosswalk safely townwide.  This traffic control change was done more efficiently than typical installations due to utilizing a solar-powered operation as opposed to a traditional utility installation.  

The town’s selection of a solar crosswalk traffic control system allows the traffic control devices to be independent of the power grid and associated electrical power boxes, meters, conduits or blackouts which can become a problem during the sever desert summer storms.  The children’s safety continues even when the power goes out.

Another saving factor is that there can be less maintenance because modern electronics, batteries and LED technology are becoming highly reliable, and a properly designed system will run by itself for years.  There are a few items that need to be checked periodically.  You will need to check the batteries every three to five years and check the height of trees around the site for as they grow, they could impair a system's full functioning by casting shade on the solar module(s).  Basically, routine tree and sign/signal maintenance is like what the town needs to do with any other traditional traffic sign and signal installation to ensure the (TCD) traffic control device is not blocked by vegetation.