BACK TO SCHOOL: Safety improvements and reminders!

With the Renton School District back in session tomorrow, August 26, our Public Works Department has completed several key safety improvements on Park and Garden Avenues to help students, families, and neighbors get around more safely. 

Initial improvements were completed in 2025, with additional safety measures completed last week.   

To date, here are the improvements made near Sartori Elementary School on Park and Garden Avenues: 

• Refreshed crosswalk markings
• Supplemental No Left Turn signs
• New protected-only left-turn signal phasing and Left-Turn Flashing Yellow Arrow Signal
• Separated pedestrian signal phases from left-turn vehicular movements on Park Ave
• NEW “Do Not Block Intersection” markings & signs on NE 4th St
• NEW LED “Right-Turn Vehicles Stop for Pedestrians” signs in coordination with Walk/ Flashing Don’t Walk Signal on Park Ave
• Leading Pedestrian Intervals: Gives pedestrians a few seconds to start crossing before right-turning cars get a green light. 
• Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) and Countdown Signal Upgrades
• And more additions 

A huge thanks to our staff from our Transportation Division. From our signal and sign shops producing the new signs and signals to our transportation operations team, planners, and engineers for your planning, preparation, and execution. 

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING 

The Renton Police Department will be out conducting school zone speed emphasis patrols to help keep everyone safe. Drivers, follow these guidelines! 

• Slow down and watch for students 
• Follow the school zone speed limit (20mph) when beacons are flashing 
• Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks 
• Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the road  

See a school bus with flashing lights and the stop arm out? Here’s what you should do. 

Learn more with our animated video. 

• Two-lane road: ALL traffic stops, both directions. 
• Divided road (with a barrier/median): Traffic behind the bus stops, oncoming traffic keeps moving. 
• Four-lane road (no divider): Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus stop. Oncoming traffic proceeds with caution. 

SAFETY WHILE WALKING 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlights eight safety tips to share with kids!  

• Find a walking buddy.
• Always cross at the corner or at an intersection and look left-right-left for moving cars.
• Stop, look and listen! Stay alert.
• Look for moving wheels! Some cars are silent.
• Wait for the “Walk” signal before crossing the road. Don’t just follow the crowd!
• Always walk (not run).
• Some drivers are distracted.