The Crossing Trigger

I advanced along the concrete curb to the metal post guarding the intersection. Mounted along the upright shaft was a cast-aluminum signal housing. I scaled the adjacent utility conduit to gain proper elevation. A heavy circular push-button rested inside a recessed yellow collar. Bracing my left boot against the housing seam, I drove the palm of my right gauntlet squarely into the center. The internal spring yielded under steady pressure, bottoming out with a dull metallic click. A low electronic chirp pulsed from the speaker above. A dependable signal relay for ground transit. I held my perch, watching the flow of vehicles adjust.