Initiated and funded by the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA), flashing signals are being installed by the city of Issaquah at two crosswalks on Northeast Park Drive: the “Firehouse Crossing” at Northeast Hickory Lane and the “Trail Head Crossing” at the sport court approximately 100 feet east of Central Park Drive Northeast.
The signals will be maintained by the City of Issaquah Public Works Department and are a direct result of community requests and the IHCA’s dedication to safety.
In a 2020 letter to the city, IHCA Executive Director Sarah Hoey wrote, “…there is an obligation to this city and, in particular, to Issaquah Highlands to create a plan to address [crosswalks] regardless of funding shortfalls.” Sarah continued to champion for the Issaquah Highlands community, and the IHCA Board of Directors voted to fund the flashing signals along Northeast Park Drive to improve pedestrian safety.
The signals are called Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), and are used in combination with pedestrian warning signs to provide a high-visibility alert to drivers. When a pedestrian presses a button to cross, lights flash in an irregular pattern that is similar to emergency flashers on police vehicles, intended to attract a driver’s attention and to reinforce the need to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. The lights are solar powered, and studies have shown RRFBs improve driver yield rates up to 96%.
Issaquah Highlands values a continued positive relationship with city of Issaquah staff, councilmembers and Mayor Mary Lou Pauley. Sarah noted, “This is a great example of how we can work closely with the city to overcome barriers for the betterment of the community. Thank you to the Public Works Department for your partnership in bringing the new signals to Issaquah Highlands.”
Learn more about how traffic on Park Drive will be impacted…
