It was last spring when Jeannette Geyer first brought to our notice that the flashing beacon wasn’t working on an advance warning sign that alerts drivers on westbound Highway 96 of the approaching school zone near Penny Creek Elementary School.
Maybe it was because of nearby construction. Maybe not. But either way it was a concern.
The sign is followed by the actual school zone sign, which has a flashing beacon of its own that is in good working order.
“When motorists see this light not functioning, they assume that the other light is not flashing also, so they think the speed limit remains at 45 mph through the school zone. Until they notice that the light closest to the school is activated and flashing, and need to be at 35 mph in just a short distance,” she said. “I drive by the school daily on my way to work, and there are many drivers that do not pay attention to the flashing lights here.”
This is a Washington State Department of Transportation-controlled beacon. More than six months later, the beacon still is not working. After periodic inquiries over the last several months, we finally heard something back.
“We encountered unexpected delays in getting power to the advance school speed zone sign and expect to get power hooked back up in the next month or so. In the meantime, we plan to temporarily cover the flashers,” said Tom Pearce, a spokesman.
“The sign is an advance warning sign to inform drivers of a speed zone ahead. The actual speed zone begins just west of 42nd Avenue SE, near the east-most driveway to the school. The speed zone is in effect when the flashers on that sign are flashing. Now that school is back in session, we remind drivers to use caution when traveling through school zones and obey posted school zone speed limits.”
That said, local police departments remind drivers that school zones can be enforced at any time, whether lights are flashing or not and despite what any sign may say. Simply put, when you’re near a school, take it easy on the gas pedal.
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