New signs in school zones throughout Redmond will flash with amber lights during arrival, lunch and end of each school zone.

When a sign is flashing in a school zone: Slow down. That the message of 18 new signs that have gone up next to roadways in school zones across Redmond.

Redmond public works crews have started replacing the school zone speed limit signs throughout the city. The new signs still require people to drive 20 mph while in a school zone, but now only during times when the signs are flashing.

The new speed limit signs read: “SCHOOL, SPEED LIMIT 20 — When Flashing.”

The new signs are equipped with large, flashing, amber lights that indicate when the school zone speed limit is in effect. The school zone speed limits will apply during arrival, lunch (high school only) and departure times that are specific to each school. The new signs also have a radar-enabled driver feedback display that shows 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.

In October 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. About 94% of respondents were supportive of changing school zone signage to “when flashing.”

The 18 signs will now be replaced, 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 of the signs is slated to be completed by the end of March.

This project was funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation by way of ODOT.