Northwest Fresno school area gets county's first HAWK crosswalk

A new high-intensity activated crosswalk aims to improve pedestrian safety near an elementary school.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:25am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a HAWK crosswalk signal repeated in a grid, using bold neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday traffic device into a modern pop art piece.The new HAWK crosswalk in northwest Fresno aims to make drivers more aware of pedestrians, especially students, crossing a busy thoroughfare near an elementary school.Fresno Today

A new high-intensity activated crosswalk, known as a HAWK signal, is now operating in northwest Fresno near Herndon-Barstow Elementary School. The HAWK crosswalk is designed to alert drivers to slow down and stop when pedestrians press the button to cross the busy Grantland Avenue. City and county officials, along with the Central Unified School District, celebrated the activation of the county's first HAWK crosswalk, which was installed to address longstanding safety concerns in the area.

Why it matters

The new HAWK crosswalk is intended to improve pedestrian safety, especially for students crossing Grantland Avenue to get to Herndon-Barstow Elementary School. The area has seen multiple accidents and safety incidents in the past, prompting calls from parents and school officials for a solution to make the crossing safer.

The details

The HAWK crosswalk features flashing yellow, steady yellow, and then red lights to warn drivers to slow down and stop when pedestrians press the button to cross. When the hand symbol begins flashing, the red lights also flash, indicating drivers may proceed if the crosswalk is clear. The signal operates at all hours, even on weekends, to improve safety for students and other pedestrians.

  • The project was completed at the end of March 2026.
  • The HAWK crosswalk is the county's first of its kind.

The players

Mike Karbassi

Fresno City Councilmember who said the goal is to make drivers more aware of children crossing the major thoroughfare of Grantland Avenue.

Paul Marashian

Principal of Herndon-Barstow Elementary School, who said the area was extremely dangerous during peak school hours and challenging weather conditions.

Elisa Bilios

A parent who pointed to previous incidents near the former crosswalk location, including multiple accidents and a PG&E pole being downed by cars crashing into it.

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What they’re saying

“Well, what happens when you see flashing red lights on the back of a school bus? People know to stop because there's children. Grantland is a major thoroughfare but there's a school right across the street. We want people to know when the kids hit that button the light's gonna flash intensely. Stop. There are kids crossing the street. Get off your phone. Pay attention. Don't make that child a victim.”

— Mike Karbassi, Fresno City Councilmember

“During our busy time, it's extremely dangerous and during foggy days it's scary as well.”

— Paul Marashian, Principal, Herndon-Barstow Elementary School

“There have been multiple accidents in this vicinity. The PG&E pole right where the former crosswalk was located was downed on separate occasions by cars crashing into it causing electrical outages that affected school instruction days.”

— Elisa Bilios, Parent

What’s next

The new HAWK crosswalk is expected to improve pedestrian safety in the area, especially for students crossing Grantland Avenue to get to Herndon-Barstow Elementary School. City and county officials will monitor the effectiveness of the new crosswalk and consider installing similar HAWK signals in other high-traffic areas near schools.

The takeaway

The installation of the county's first HAWK crosswalk in northwest Fresno demonstrates a commitment to improving pedestrian safety, especially for students, in areas with busy roads and challenging conditions. This project could serve as a model for other communities looking to enhance crosswalk safety and protect vulnerable road users.