Pedestrian Hybrid

Beacon (PHB)

SAFE TRANSPORTATION 

FOR EVERY PEDESTRIAN

COUNTERMEASURE TECH SHEET

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon head consists of two red 

lenses above a single yellow lens. Unlike a traffic signal, 

the PHB rests in dark until a pedestrian activates it via 

pushbutton or other form of detection. When activated, 

the beacon displays a sequence of flashing and solid 

lights that indicate the pedestrian walk interval and when it 

is safe for drivers to proceed (see figure on back page).

The PHB is often considered for installation at locations 

where pedestrians need to cross and vehicle speeds or 

volumes are high, but traffic signal warrants are not met. 

These devices have been successfully used at school 

crossings, parks, senior centers, and other pedestrian 

crossings on multilane streets. PHBs are typically installed 

at the side of the road or on mast arms over midblock 

pedestrian crossings. 

  High speeds and

multiple lanes of traffic 

create challenges for 

pedestrians crossing at 

unsignalized locations.

PHBs can warn and 

control traffic at 

unsignalized locations 

and assist pedestrians 

in crossing a street or 

highway at a marked 

crosswalk.

PHBs can 

reduce 

pedestrian 

crashes by

55%

FEATURES:

• Beacons stop all lanes of

traffic, which can reduce

pedestrian crashes.

OFTEN USED WITH:

• High-visibility crosswalk

markings

• Raised islands

• Advance STOP or YIELD

signs and markings

June 2018, Updated | FHWA-SA-18-064
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)

EDC-4 STEP: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc_4/step.cfm

Figure 4F-3. Sequence for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon from FHWA's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2009 Edition, p. 511

When a pedestrian activates a PHB, a flashing yellow light is followed by a solid yellow light, alerting drivers to slow. A solid red 

light requires drivers to stop while pedestrians have the right-of-way to cross the street. When the pedestrian signals display a 

flashing DON'T WALK indication, the overhead beacon flashes red, and drivers may proceed if the crosswalk is clear. 

CONSIDERATIONS

PHBs are a candidate treatment for roads 

with three or more lanes that generally have 

annual average daily traffic (AADT) above 

9,000. PHBs should be strongly considered 

for all midblock and intersection crossings 

where the roadway speed limits are equal 

to or greater than 40 miles per hour (mph). 

The PHB should meet the application 

guidelines provided in the Manual on 

Uniform Traffic Control Devices for existing or 

projected pedestrian volumes.

PHBs are intended for installation at 

midblock locations, but can be installed at 

intersections. They should only be installed 

in conjunction with marked crosswalks and 

pedestrian countdown signals. 

When PHBs are not in common use in 

a community, consider conducting an 

outreach effort to educate the public 

and law enforcement officers on the PHBs' 

purpose and use.

COST

The PHB is often less expensive than a full 

traffic signal installation. The costs range 

from $21,000 to $128,000, with an average 

per unit cost of $57,680. 

References

Zegeer, C., R. Srinivasan, B. Lan, D. Carter, S. Smith, C. Sundstrom, N.J. Thirsk, J. Zegeer, C. Lyon, E. Ferguson, and R. Van Houten. (2017). NCHRP Report 841: Development of 

Crash Modification Factors for Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossing Treatments. Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C.

Federal Highway Administration. (2013). “Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon” in PEDSAFE: Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System. Available: http://www.

pedbikesafe.org/PEDSAFE/countermeasures_detail.cfm?CM_NUM=53 

Bushell, M., Poole, B., Zegeer, C., & Rodriguez, D. (2013). Costs for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Infrastructure Improvements: A Resource for Researchers, Engineers, Planners, and 

the General Public. Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center.