Rochester Gets $725K for Pedestrian Safety Near Schools

Rochester will install three HAWK signals and median refuge islands near Spencer Park, Borden Park, and Holy Family Regional School after securing a $725,560 grant through SEMCOG's Transportation Alternatives Program.

HAWK signals activate when pedestrians press a button, stopping traffic with flashing lights. The improvements target routes children use to reach schools and parks, separating pedestrians from vehicle traffic while meeting ADA accessibility standards.

Mayor Bryan K. Barnett said the area "gets a ton of use by our families and kids and is in such need of significant improvement to ensure that they have safe access to our parks and vital destinations."

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments awarded the grant to support pedestrian infrastructure. SEMCOG administers the federal Transportation Alternatives Program for communities across southeast Michigan.