Three Kent elementary schools to get flashing signals to alert drivers to slow down

Kent city crews will install new flashing signals to alert drivers to slow down for school zones at Scenic Hill, Kent and Meadow Ridge elementary schools.

Installation is scheduled to be completed by the end of October, according to a Kent Police media release.

In a continuing effort to keep students safe during the school day, the Kent Police Department has partnered with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to purchase and install flashing signals for school zones located throughout the city.

Funding for these high-visibility signals comes from a Traffic Safety grant that will pay for the flashing lights, lighting hardware and approved signs and markings.

School zones are used to alert drivers, save lives and prevent serious injuries. They are located in close proximity to elementary schools throughout the city and are intended to provide safe access routes for students. Reduced speed limits are one of the tools used to increase safety in school zones.

These flashing signals will augment the reduced speed limit by providing a visual cue that alerts drivers to the presence of young students and the reduced speed limit.

The Kent Police Department, Kent Public Works-Engineering and the Kent School District Transportation Department have worked together to prioritize elementary school zones in need of flashing lights.

Ten Kent schools already have the enhanced signals.

The speed limit is 20 mph in school zones.

Contact Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter Steve Hunter at shunter@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5052.

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