Springfield Standard

SGF Yields, a pedestrian safety program administered by Springfield Public Works, has announced the implementation of Crosswalk Yield Checks at a specific location in Springfield for the week of April 22, 2024.

According to a statement released by SGF Yields, police officers will be stationed at a designated crosswalk for about four hours, monitoring driver compliance with the new pedestrian signal. The High Intensity Activated CrossWalk (HAWK) signal, recently installed by MoDOT, is the third of its kind in Springfield, allowing pedestrians to cross major roadways safely.

"One officer in plain clothing will act as a pedestrian, a second will function as a spotter and a third will be in a patrol vehicle, ready to stop those who do not properly yield to the pedestrian," explained the SGF Yields program.

The initiative aims to educate the public on the new signal, with drivers required to stop when solid red lights are displayed. Failure to yield may result in warnings during the initial four weeks, with the possibility of citations being issued thereafter.

Funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Crosswalk Yield Checks are a collaboration between the Springfield Police Department and SGF Yields. Kristen Milam, Communication Coordinator, can be contacted for media inquiries at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].

For more information about the Crosswalk Yield Checks and the SGF Yields pedestrian safety program, individuals are encouraged to visit springfieldmo.gov/sgfyields, follow SGF Yields on Facebook, or email [email protected].