In partnership with the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, the City of Sterling Heights and Utica Community Schools, the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) recently completed work to enhance road safety at Havel Elementary School. In response to community concerns regarding traffic and adverse driver behavior, such as speeding and distracted driving, upgrades to traffic safety infrastructure were installed at the school.
“The Department of Roads has a long history of successfully implementing traffic and road improvement projects in coordination with local school districts and communities to enhance the safety of our roadways,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “Macomb County is committed to the safety and well-being of all road users including our students, pedestrians and motorists. Every student should have a safe route to and from school.”
The school zone safety enhancement project included the following updates:
- Pushbutton-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) on both sides of each crosswalk. RRFBs alert drivers that someone has pushed the button and will be entering the crosswalk.
- Advanced warning sign with a flasher activated when the pushbutton is activated for the RRFB, giving drivers advanced warning of pedestrian activity.
- Updated the overhead crosswalk light.
- Existing School Speed Limit flashing lights remained in place.
“Public safety is our number one priority. Collaborating with our community partners to implement traffic technologies and strategies is part of our mission to enhance the safety of our roadways and make school zones safer for everyone in Macomb County,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “While we can install new technologies and deploy the latest safety strategies, it’s up to motorists to obey the rules of the road to help keep our school zones as safe as possible.”
The new beacons, updated crosswalks and high visibility signage are anticipated to enhance the overall safety of the school zone at Havel Elementary School and the functionality of the roadway.
"Through collective efforts of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, the Macomb County Department of Roads, the City of Sterling Heights and the Utica School Board, Havel Elementary students can now benefit from additional safety features while crossing Schoenherr Road on their way to school," said Commissioner Joseph V. Romano. "The new traffic enhancements will be operational prior to the 2025-2026 school year. Safety for our children will always be our top priority."
