LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — City of Las Vegas traffic engineers conducted a walk audit at Rex Bell Elementary School near I-15 and Sahara Avenue, observing traffic patterns and school zone infrastructure to identify ways to better protect students.
The process started with Las Vegas traffic engineers observing traffic flow during morning drop-off. Next, the group gathered to discuss what they saw. They noted several illegal U-turns during the observation period.
Then, the walking portion of the audit began. The group walked around the school and the surrounding neighborhood, looking for any issues that may make it harder for students to get to school safely. They identified several potential improvements, including adding missing traffic signs, expanding the current school zone boundaries, and addressing infrastructure issues like overgrown trees blocking neighborhood sidewalks.
“Kids shouldn’t have to dodge that on their way to school,” Grimaldi said about the vegetation obstruction in a nearby neighborhood.
The audit brought relief to parent Kealohanani Fitch, who said she has been filing complaints with the Clark County School District and working with the school’s principal to address reckless driving by other parents.
“As soon as I drove down the street, I was like, ‘Oh my God, my heart,’” Fitch said upon seeing the engineering team. “You’ve got to do what you can to protect the babies.”
Grimaldi said the next step of the audit will involve creating a comprehensive list of both immediate and long-term safety improvements. The city will implement changes within its jurisdiction first, while other modifications requiring outside assistance will be placed on a list for when additional funding becomes available.
The walking audit was conducted proactively as part of the city’s ongoing “Vision Zero” program. Grimaldi said traffic engineers aim to evaluate two schools in each ward annually.
Traffic safety processes vary depending on school location.
CCSD has created a website to help parents understand reporting procedures and the best ways to address traffic concerns in their school zones. For more information, click here.
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