Drivers Are Confused by New Traffic Lights Being Installed in Maine

When you are used to what a standard traffic light looks like and how they operate, you might be confused by new lights that act like nothing we've ever seen in the State of Maine.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons

This looks weird, right? Three lights with the top two red and the bottom yellow. These are traffic lights for vehicle traffic, but their main purpose is to stop traffic to allow pedestrians to cross the road when they get the walk signal.

Recently, drivers in Massachusetts have been confused about these new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons, which have also recently begun popping up here in Maine. No one seems to know what to do when they see two pairs of red lights over a pair of yellow lights.

This YouTube video explains how Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons work.

Still Sound Confusing?

You're not alone. Let's break it down into simple terms.

When a pedestrian presses the crosswalk button, the bottom yellow lights begin to flash, meaning you need to slow down for pedestrians. When they stop flashing and are solid yellow, drivers should prepare to stop for pedestrians.

Next, the red lights turn on, and you must stop for pedestrians. The final phase is flashing red lights, meaning the driver should stop at the light when flashing and proceed when clear. Think of it like a stop sign. If no pedestrians are crossing when you reach the light, you can proceed. If they are in the crosswalk, you must wait.

READ MORE: I Think I've Found The Longest Wait at a Maine Traffic Light

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons Being Installed in Maine

There is one location on Outer Congress Street in Portland that has Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons installed. With four lanes of traffic, the new beacons make it much safer for pedestrians.

The Maine DOT has plans to install more of these new beacons in high-traffic areas where pedestrians need to cross. Brunswick has a PHB installed at the intersection of 5th and Maine Streets, and another is planned for Bath Road at the Jordan Avenue intersection.