Norfolk officials unveiled the city’s first pedestrian hybrid beacon this week at the busy intersection of Granby Street and Suburban Parkway. The new signal, the only one of its kind in Norfolk, is intended to give pedestrians a safer, more protected way to cross a heavily traveled thoroughfare.
How the beacon works
When a pedestrian presses the button, the beacon flashes yellow to alert drivers to slow down. The light then turns solid yellow, signaling that drivers should prepare to stop. Once the signal turns red, motorists must come to a complete stop, allowing walkers to cross. After pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk, the beacon flashes red, indicating that drivers may proceed, and then returns to an inactive state until activated again.
City’s safety goals
“One of the reasons we installed this beacon is to provide pedestrians a safe, protected crossing,” said Kyle Gilmer, Transportation Strategic Planner for the City of Norfolk. Gilmer cited a history of pedestrian‑vehicle conflicts, including injuries and serious fatalities, as a driving factor behind the project.
The beacon is expected to benefit students walking to Norfolk Collegiate and Granby High School, as well as other residents and visitors who travel through the area.
Impact on traffic flow
Some drivers expressed concern that the new signal and accompanying bike lanes might cause delays. However, city data shows that travel times along the Granby Street corridor have actually improved since the bike lanes were installed. Gilmer reported that the average travel time from one end of the bike‑lane corridor to the other has decreased by roughly 55 seconds to 1 minute and 3 seconds.
This improvement aligns with Norfolk’s broader effort to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians while preserving efficient traffic movement.
Future expansion possibilities
City officials are also evaluating Hampton Boulevard as a potential site for an additional pedestrian hybrid beacon. Two recent studies identified the signal as a long‑term improvement option for that corridor, though no installation date has been set.
In the meantime, pedestrians are encouraged to use the designated crosswalk at Granby Street and Suburban Parkway and to follow the beacon’s signals rather than attempting to cross wherever a gap in traffic appears.
Community response
Local residents and parents have welcomed the new safety feature, noting that it reflects Norfolk’s commitment to protecting families and fostering a walkable community. The beacon represents another step in the city’s ongoing evaluation of ways to make its streets safer for everyone.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
