City of Redmond Public Works crews are in the process of updating 18 school zone speed limit signs. The new signs will still require people to drive 20 MPH while in a school zone, but only during times that the signs are “flashing.” The new speed limit signs will read, “SCHOOL, SPEED LIMIT 20 – When Flashing.”
In October 2024, 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. Ninety-four percent (94%) of respondents were supportive of changing school zone signage to “When Flashing.”
18 individual signs will be replaced in total, focusing on roadways adjacent to schools that are normally 35 MPH or roadways 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 which 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 is entering 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.
This project was funded through grants from by the US Department of Transportation – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, by way of the Oregon Department of Transportation – Transportation Safety Office.
