Redmond changing school speed zone signs to flashing lights; drivers need to slow down to 20 mph when they flash
Bend made a similar school speed zone change in 2022
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- City of Redmond Public Works crews will begin updating 18 school zone speed limit signs this month, moving to a system where drivers need to slow down to 20 mph, but only at times when new lights are flashing.
The new speed limit signs will read, “SCHOOL, SPEED LIMIT 20 – When Flashing,” Redmond Police Lt. April Huey said Thursday.
Last October, the City of Redmond’s Traffic Safety Working Group, in partnership with the Redmond School District, conducted a community-wide survey, seeking feedback on existing school zone signage and a proposed change. A commanding 94% of respondents supported a change in school zone signage to when lights are flashing.
A total of 18 signs will be replaced, focusing on roadways adjacent to schools that are normally 35 MPH or those that are arterials or collectors and well-traveled at less than 35 MPH.
Drivers must read school zone speed limit signs to determine if they must travel 20 MPH. Installation is slated to be completed by the end of March.
The new signs will be equipped with large flashing amber lights that will indicate when the school zone speed limit is in effect. The school zone speed limits will only apply during arrival, lunch (high school only), and departure times, specific to each school.
Additionally, the new signs will have a radar-enabled driver feedback display that will show the speed of the vehicle as it enters the school zone. Driver feedback displays will only be active when the school zone signs are flashing.
Safety in school zones is a top priority for the Redmond Police Department, conducting enhanced enforcement of speeding and distracted driving violations, when the school zone signs are flashing, Huey said.
The project was funded from $108,000 in grants by the U.S. Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, by way of the Oregon Department of Transportation – Transportation Safety Office.
The city of Bend made a similar change in the fall of 2022 in 14 school speed zones - a shift from a flat 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. speed limit to ones using flashing lights.
