The City of Bellevue is making school zones safer and more reliable by adding cellular connectivity to flashing beacons, pedestrian crosswalks and speed radar signs. This upgrade allows staff to monitor and adjust devices remotely and in real time - no on-site visits are required.
These cellular modules have been deployed with software called Glance as a joint effort between the city’s Smart Mobility group and the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, in partnership with Applied Information and T-Mobile.
What was deployed:
- Total modules installed: 78
- 65 cellular modules at school zone flashing beacons
- 1 module at a “No Left Turn When Flashing” beacon
- 5 modules at speed radar signs
- 7 modules at RRFB’s (pedestrian actuated push-button beacon)
Key features and benefits:
- Consistent, timely beacon operation supports safer travel for students, families, and staff in school zones.
- Beacon schedules can be modified immediately and remotely in the Glance dashboard to reflect late starts, early releases, snow days, or other schedule changes, ensuring lights flash exactly when kids are present.
- Automatic alerts appear on Waze when school zone flashers are active, giving drivers extra warning to slow down and watch for children.
- Technicians can view real-time beacon status remotely before dispatch and in the field using a mobile-friendly dashboard, improving troubleshooting speed and reducing unnecessary site visits.
Questions
For questions about the Glance connected school beacon deployment, or to report a beacon issue, contact Neighborhood Traffic Safety Services: bellevuentss@bellevuewa.gov.