Expanding the Uses of In-Roadway Warning Lights (IRWL)
How In-Roadway Warning Lights Improve Safety at Crosswalks, Intersections, and Beyond
For over thirty years, LightGuard Systems has advanced roadway safety through innovative in-pavement lighting. Our In-Roadway Warning Lights (IRWL) have become a trusted solution for improving driver awareness, guiding vehicle movement, and reinforcing compliance across both public and private applications.
The color of an IRWL—amber, white, or red—determines how and where it’s used. Each serves a specific purpose, enhancing safety for pedestrians, motorists, and equipment operators alike.
1) Amber IRWL – Pedestrian Crosswalk and Traffic Warning
Amber IRWLs are the most widely used and are MUTCD-compliant for public roadway applications. Installed at marked crosswalks, especially on two- to four-lane roads and higher-speed corridors, amber lights provide a dynamic, driver-facing warning whenever a pedestrian is present. Embedded directly in the pavement, these lights are highly visible in both day and night conditions. The wider the crossing or the higher the speed limit, the greater the benefit of an amber IRWL system. Amber IRWLs can operate alone or be integrated with other warning devices such as LED pedestrian signs, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), and overhead flashing beacons to form a coordinated smart crosswalk system.
2) White IRWL – Lane Delineation and Traffic Channelization
White IRWLs are frequently used for lane delineation and guidance in complex traffic areas such as bus terminals, airport access roads, and long intersections. They help define travel paths, turning zones, or restricted areas, improving flow and reducing confusion, particularly in low-light or wet conditions.
In private environments, white IRWLs are also used in warehouses and logistics centers to guide vehicles, delivery trucks, or automated equipment safely along designated routes. By clearly marking lanes and drive paths, white IRWLs enhance operational efficiency while reducing collision risk.
3) Red IRWL – Stop Compliance and Controlled Access
Red IRWLs are commonly used in Traffic Safety Enhancement (TSE) applications, providing a strong, active cue for stop-controlled intersections. When a vehicle approaches a stop sign or restricted zone, red IRWLs illuminate to reinforce driver compliance and reduce blow-through incidents, especially in rural or low-visibility locations.
In private or industrial settings, red IRWLs can also define restricted areas, loading docks, or access-controlled lanes, activating when doors or barriers are closed, or when pedestrians are present. The result is a safer, more intuitive environment for both drivers and workers.
Seamless Integration Across Systems
All LightGuard Systems IRWLs can be easily integrated with other visual warning devices including LED signs, RRFBs, and flashing beacons for maximum visibility and driver recognition. The modular design of our systems ensures flexibility, whether installed in a public roadway, transit terminal, or private facility.
LightGuard Systems is a registered trademark™ of LightGuard Systems, Inc. Smart Crosswalk is a trademark™ name of LightGuard Systems, Inc. ©2021 LightGuard Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
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