Project Description and Purpose

A proposed project to install a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at the crosswalk on Ederlee Drive near Peregrine Place in Cary was awarded funding in January 2026 and approved by the N.C. Board of Transportation in March 2026 as project HS-2605N. The N.C. Department of Transportation has begun designing the project and, based on timelines for similar signal projects, as well as federal requirements that must be followed for federally funded projects, bid advertisement is expected in October 2028.

NCDOT is committed to moving this project forward as quickly as possible and will continue looking for opportunities to expedite construction of the improvements at this location.

Interim Improvements (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons)

The Town of Cary completed the installation of new rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at the Ederlee Drive crosswalk between Regency Parkway and Peregrine Place on Tuesday, Oct. 20, to improve visibility for drivers and support safe pedestrian crossings. The improvements include replacing the crosswalk signs and advanced warning signs with LED enhancements and pedestrian-activated flashing beacons that alert approaching drivers to people preparing to cross.

The beacons can be activated using accessible roadside push buttons, triggering flashing lights at the crosswalk and at signs farther in advance of the crossing. While the new devices are designed to improve pedestrian visibility, they are warning devices, not traffic signals. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, whether the beacons are flashing or not. Pedestrians are encouraged to activate the beacons, remain alert, and wait for traffic to stop or for a safe gap before entering the roadway. Drivers must slow down, avoid distractions, and never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

Cary staff installed the RRFB according to the plan linked here.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons

A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a device used to assist pedestrians in marked crosswalks and control traffic at locations without signal lights. It is activated by a pedestrian pushing a button on the beacon pole. Pedestrian hybrid beacons are used when it is difficult for pedestrians to cross a roadway (gaps in traffic or the speed limit is over 35 mph).

How It Works for Drivers

• Dark: The lights are off. 
  • Drivers may go straight through at the normal speed limit.

• Flashing Yellow: The light flashes yellow.         
  • Drivers must slow down.

• Solid Yellow: The light turns solid yellow.         
  •  Drivers must stop if it is safe to do so.

• Solid Red: Two red lights shine steadily.             
  • Drivers must come to a complete stop.

• Flashing Red: The red lights flash alternately.   
  • Drivers must stop, check that the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians, and then proceed with caution (like a stop sign)

How It Works for Pedestrians

• Push Button: Press the button at the crosswalk to start the signal.

• Wait: Look at the pedestrian signal. Wait until it shows a steady Walk sign.

• Check Traffic: Make sure all cars have stopped before you step into the street.

• Cross: Walk across the street. A countdown timer will show how many seconds are left. [1, 2, 3]

More information about Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons and other types of Pedestrian Safety Between Intersections options is available on the NCDOT website.

Sign Up for project updates

NCDOT will provide updates as the project moves forward

PROJECT CONTACT 

David Webb 

2612 N. Duke Street

Durham, NC  27704

pedestrian-beacon-ederlee@publicinput.com 

984-205-6615  enter code 11238 to leave a message

Page last updated: October 21, 2026

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