City of Amarillo: Changes at Amarillo High School crossing to improve traffic safety

To improve safety, some traffic changes are coming this week at a school crossing in Amarillo ahead of the start of the Amarillo ISD school year.

Beginning Thursday, Aug. 15, which is the first day of the fall semester for AISD, the City of Amarillo Public Works Department will implement traffic safety improvements at the Bell and Amarillo High School crossing, the city of Amarillo announced Tuesday. "These changes come in response to community concerns and a recent traffic study conducted along Bell Street and at the Sandie intersection," a news release reads.

Key changes include the installation of a push-button activated, yellow flashing overhead sign at Bell Street and Sandie Drive and a reduced speed zone, where the speed limit will be lowered from 45 mph to 30 mph during peak school hours.

The reduced speed limit will be in effect during the following times:

• Morning: 7:30-8:15 a.m.
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
• After school: 3:45-4:30 p.m.

The city said the new traffic pattern will be fully implemented on Thursday.

Donny Hooper, Managing Director of Public Works, stated, "After hearing concerns from local citizens and the Amarillo Independent School District, our traffic division, along with our consulting engineers, conducted a traffic study to evaluate the most recent accident data, traffic counts, and vehicle speeds in this area. The results indicated the need for a reduced speed zone and crossing improvements. The safety of our residents is paramount, and we're grateful for the successful partnership between residents, and the school district in addressing this important issue.”

For more information, contact City of Amarillo Deputy Director of Engagement & Innovation Kristen Wolbach by email at kristen.wolbach@amarillo.gov.

More: TxDOT: New traffic pattern goes into effect at SL 335 and Arden Road near West Plains HS

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: City of Amarillo: Changes at Amarillo High School crossing to improve traffic safety