Post Date:01/07/2026 3:53 p.m.
Reno Enhances School Safety with New Flashing Beacons
The City of Reno has embarked on a significant initiative to bolster student safety around schools with the launch of the School Zone Flashing Beacon Project. This project focuses on improving safety measures for children walking and biking to school by introducing new technology in key school zones.
Throughout the 2025-2026 construction season, the city plans to install about 114 flashing beacons in 35 school zones across Reno. These beacons will replace the old static “15 MPH School Zone” signs. The new beacons will provide a more visible cue to drivers, activating during school arrival and dismissal times to remind them to reduce speed.
Councilmember Brandi Anderson of Ward 6 emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “It’s so important to keep our students safe as they commute to school, and this project adds another layer of assurance for parents and guardians whose children will use these new beacons.” She also expressed gratitude to Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Jacky Rosen, and Congressman Mark Amodei for securing federal funding for the initiative.
With a total investment of $1.89 million, the project is funded by several sources, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and a $1,000,000 federal Community Project Funding (CPF) grant. The grant was facilitated by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, along with Congressman Mark Amodei, and is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Senator Cortez Masto expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I’m excited for the installation of these new school zone flashing beacons that will make the areas around Reno schools safer.” She highlighted her pride in securing funding for such vital safety improvements. Senator Rosen echoed these sentiments, noting her commitment to continuing to fight for funding to enhance community safety.
Rep. Mark Amodei also commented on the funding’s impact, stating, “This funding delivers on Reno city leaders’ commitment to strengthening public safety.” He emphasized the importance of replacing outdated signs with flashing warnings to remind drivers of the presence of students.
The selection of school locations for the beacons was based on a data-driven approach, guided by national safety standards from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The city analyzed factors such as traffic volumes, roadway conditions, and collision history to prioritize zones that would benefit most. Zones with lower risk will receive updated signage that complies with current federal standards.
The City of Reno collaborated with the Washoe County School District (WCSD) to identify priority areas and ensure alignment with school operations and Safe Routes to School objectives. Superintendent Joe Ernst stated, “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at WCSD, and these new school zone beacons are another important step toward protecting our students.”
Construction commenced in fall 2025 and is expected to continue through spring 2026, with efforts made to minimize disruption to school activities. Post-installation, the city plans to assess the effectiveness of the beacons through traffic speed studies, collision data analysis, and feedback from the community.
This initiative is part of the broader Citywide School Zone Improvement Program, which now includes 281 flashing beacons throughout Reno. The remaining beacons were either installed earlier or funded through various local sources such as Councilmember Discretionary Funds, the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Fuel Tax, and the City Street Fund. The overall program, encompassing design, equipment, and construction, amounts to a total cost of approximately $5.2 million.
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