Section 4: School Speed Zones
Introduction
Reduced speed limits should be used for school zones during
the hours when children are going to and from school. Usually such
school speed zones are only considered for schools located adjacent to
highways or visible from highways.
Pedestrian crossing activity should be the primary basis for
reduced school speed zones. However, irregular traffic and pedestrian
movements must also be considered when children are being dropped
off and picked up from school.
Planning
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) should make
certain that all applicable traffic control devices are utilized
to prevent problems in school areas. Maintaining contact with school officials
can help TxDOT become aware of proposed building programs or other
problems at an early stage so that solutions will be more promptly
implemented. When proposed building plans are known, it may be
possible to offer suggestions on access points that will prevent
future problems. Also the installation of needed safety and traffic
control devices can be scheduled to be in place when needed.
An engineering and traffic investigation should be conducted
to determine the need for a reduced school speed limit as well as
all appropriate traffic control devices to provide maximum safety.
Prompt Installation Important
Districts should initiate the installation of school speed
limit signs and flashers immediately after submitting the request
to the Traffic Operations Division (TRF) for Transportation Commission action.
Every effort should be made to have these signs in operation as
soon as practical after the minute order is approved by the Transportation
Commission. If, for some reason, there is a delay in the installation
of a school flasher, other static signs for school zones should
be installed as soon as possible after the minute order is enacted.
Signs
Where TxDOT is responsible for signing school speed zones,
the zones shall be signed with a combination of the S4-3 SCHOOL
and the R2-1 SPEED LIMIT sign assembly. Flashing beacons shall also
be used with the S4-4 WHEN FLASHING sign to identify the periods
the school speed limit is in force. One sign, S5-1, could be used,
which is a combination of these. The S5-1 SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT XX
WHEN FLASHING may be used in place of the S4-3, R2-1, and S4-4.
A Transportation Commission minute order, city ordinance, or county
ordinance authorizing the reduced speed limit is required prior
to use of these signs in school zones.
Cities should be allowed to sign school speed zones in accordance
with the other options set out in the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (
).
The S4-3, R2-1 and S4-4 sign assembly with flashers shall
be mounted on a permanent type mounting and placed at each zone
limit of the section of highway, road, or street through which the
speed limit has been reduced. The sign assembly with flashing beacons
may be placed off the shoulder of the road, in the median, or overhead
to face traffic entering the school speed zone. An illustration of
signing for school speed zones is shown in the TMUTCD. Other types
of signs used by cities should be similarly located in conformance
with the TMUTCD.
Intervals of Operation
Generally, the zones indicated on the signs should be in effect
only during the following specified intervals:
- from approximately 45 minutes before school opens until classes begin
- from the beginning to the end of the lunch period
- for a 30 minute period beginning at the close of school.
The intervals of operation of the flashing beacons on the
school zone speed limit assembly may be extended or revised for
school events as mutually agreed upon by the school district and
the entity responsible for the operation of the flashing beacons.
In this case, the flashing beacons should only be operated when
there is an increase in vehicular activity and pedestrian traffic
in and around the roadway associated with the school event.