SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Sioux Falls students head back to school Thursday, and officials are reminding families and drivers to slow down and stay alert on the roads.
The start of a new school year means more students, families and traffic on Sioux Falls streets. Officials say everyone has a role to play in keeping students safe.
Troy Miller, City of Sioux Falls principal traffic engineer, said one safety measure the city has incorporated over the last several years is the use of RRFB crossing devices.
Rectangular rapid flashing beacons, or RRFBs, are near many crosswalks within town. The lights are activated by pedestrians and are designed to grab drivers’ attention and give them more time to stop.
Andrew Siebenborn, a lieutenant with the Sioux Falls Police Department, said drivers should “slow down, put distractions away and be prepared for children who may or may not always be following the rules perfectly.”
Police are reminding drivers to physically look before backing up, rather than relying only on vehicle sensors. Getting to school may take extra planning, with construction projects affecting several areas of the city.
“Everyone’s got a role to play in making sure students get to school to and from in a safe manner,” Siebenborn said.
He added students, parents, school staff and neighbors can all play a part when they see something that seems suspicious or out of place.
School officials are also reminding students, parents and staff that if they see something concerning, to say something.
“It embodies the idea that we all play a role in keeping our community safe,” Dave Osterquist, security coordinator for the Sioux Falls School District, said.
Construction affecting routes to school
Work is continuing on the I-229 and Cliff Avenue interchange project. One lane of traffic remains open in each direction on Cliff Avenue.
Work is continuing on Arrowhead Parkway at its intersection with Veterans Parkway. Arrowhead Parkway remains closed west of Veterans Parkway.
Bridge repairs are underway at 49th Street and the I-29 overpass. The 49th Street bridge remains closed and is planned to reopen in mid- to late September.
The intersection of 12th Street and Highland Avenue is wrapping up construction and is scheduled to open later today.
The area of 26th Street and Marion Road is undergoing an asphalt mill and overlay.
Minnesota Avenue between Second Street and Eighth Street remains an active construction site and will impact traffic near Hawthorne Elementary, with one lane of traffic open in each direction.
Southeastern Avenue is now open between 69th Street and 85th Street near Harrisburg East Middle School.
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