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Traffic Engineering

What You Need To Know About

School Crossings

School Area Pedestrian Safety

School Crossing Traffic Sign

The City of Lawrence considers pedestrian safety to be very important. Studies have shown that elementary school-ages pedestrians are the group at greatest risk. In order to minimize that risk, the City has established policies for school crossing control. These policies address signs, markings, beacons, traffic signals, and adult crossing guards. However, in order to consider installation of these devices, there must be an average of 10 elementary students using a crossing.

What standards are used to decide where crosswalks are provided?

Crosswalks may be provided adjacent to school property and at other locations where there is sufficient conflict between pedestrians and vehicles to justify their installation. This requirement is met if 13 or more vehicles enter the crosswalk without being required to stop within any 5 minute period when elementary students are walking to or from school. However, crosswalks are limited to one per street when practical.

What standards are used to decide where reduced speed zones are provided?

School Zone Speed Limit 20 When Flashing

Reduced speed zones are used to increase safety at locations where elementary students must cross the street.

A reduced speed zone may be provided for a marked crosswalk that is not protected by a stop sign, traffic signal or adult crossing guard. The reduced speed is in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on School Days when Children are Present.

A reduced speed zone with a flashing beacon may be provided for a marked crosswalk under the following conditions:

  • If the average number of elementary students using the cross exceeds 40 and there are greater than 1.5 available safe gaps in the traffic stream per minute.
  • If the average number of elementary students in 10 or greater and there are 1-1.5 available space gaps in the traffic stream per minute.
End School Zone Sign

The beacons are flashed 45 prior to the beginning of school in the morning, and for 30 minutes after school is dismissed in the afternoon.

Reduced speed zones begin approximately 150-200 in advance of crosswalk and end approximately 50-100 feet beyond the crosswalk. The end of the zones are marked by a speed limit sign or an End School Zone sign.

What standards are used to decide where traffic signals are provided?

A stop sign or traffic signal will be provided in accordance with criteria established in The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, as published by the Federal Highway Administration, and adopted by the State of Kansas and the City of Lawrence.

What standards are used to decide where an adult crossing guard is provided?

An adult crossing guard may be provided at a marked crosswalk under the following conditions:

  • At a crosswalk at any All-way Stop if the average number if elementary students is 10 or greater and the All-way Stop is warrented during the period when students are walking to or from school.
  • At an unprotected crosswalk if the average number of elementary students using the crosswalk exceeds 40 and there is 1.0-1.5 available safe gaps in the traffic stream per minute; or if the average if the average number of elemetary students is 10 or greater and there are less than 1.0 available safe gaps in the traffic stream per minute.
  • At a crosswalk protected by a stop sign (not an All-way Stop) or traffic signal if the average number of elementary students in 30 or greater and 1) the street is marked for 4or more lanes of traffic and 13 or more vehicles enter the crosswalk without being required to stop during any 5 minute period when students are walking to or from school, or 2) the street is marked for less than 4 lanes of traffic and 25 or more vehicles enter the crosswalk without being required to stop during any 5 minute period when students are walking to or from school.

How can students help make crossing the street safer?

  • Before crossing, stop at the curb, edge of the road, or corner before proceeding.
  • Look Left-Right-Left, and if it's clear, begin crossing, looking over your shoulder for turning vehicles.
  • Cross quickly, but don't run.
  • Continue to check for traffic while crossing.

Citizen Concern

The City takes our role in solving traffic problems seriously, yet the ultimate burden of safety rests with you, the motorists and pedestrians in Lawrence. Due to the number of citizen requests per year, we cannot always investigate your request as quickly as we would like to. However, we will respond after carefully evaluating your request. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, REQUESTS OR SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING TRAFFIC, PLEASE CALL THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION.