In summer 2023, Transportation Department engineers inspected all school zone flashing beacons in Bellevue and determined that some of the beacons need to be replaced due to installation deficiencies, maintenance issues and aging technology. Transportation Department engineers also found reliability issues with the school beacon programming equipment near Bellevue High School.
The Transportation Department also conducted a pilot project to test edge-lit school zone signs around Tyee Middle School. Based up community feedback and field observations, staff determined that the edge-lighting was not as effective as the more standard round beacons and these installations will be upgraded to flashing round beacons.
This project will construct new school zone flashing beacons around Bellevue High School, Tyee Middle School and Cherry Crest Elementary School. Design for the project that will upgrade and re-install the school zone flashing beacons started in summer 2024. As of March 2025, designs are about 60% complete. An anticipated construction schedule has not yet been determined, but more information will be posted here once a schedule is confirmed.
Funding
Project design funding comes from the Neighborhood Safety, Connectivity, and Congestion Levy.
Interim school zone signs
In summer 2023, out of an abundance of caution, city crews removed some of the school zone beacons that had been inspected. They are located around Bellevue High School, Tyee Middle School and Cherry Crest Elementary School. The beacons were replaced with “Speed Limit 20 MPH When Children are Present” signs. The school zones are not impacted, and will be retained in the same location at each school.
