The city of San Antonio and Bexar County partnering to install three sets of overhead flashing beacons near Lady Bird Johnson High School.

What happened?

City Council on April 20 approved an interlocal agreement between the city and the county to contribute $90,000 in Council District 9 Neighborhood Access and Mobility Program funds to the county to install the beacons.

City officials said, until now, the presence of only static signs for the school zone and the absence of flashing beacons reduce drivers’ awareness of the lower school speed limit. Officials added that many motorists often speed while students walk and drive to the school.

The big impact

City officials and representatives from the North East ISD, including Johnson PTSA Safe Driving Club founder Melinda Cox, said the beacons will help reduce speeding and promote safety for students and others traveling to and from the far Northside campus.

What they’re saying

“These beacons will indisputably make our students, teachers and drivers safer,” District 9 Council Member John Courage said in a statement. “Thank you to the city of San Antonio, Bexar County, Johnson High School and Melinda Cox with the [Johnson High School] Safe Driving Club for their tireless efforts calling for these improvements. Regardless of boundary lines or jurisdiction, this project shows that safety is our No. 1 priority.”

“In 2022, Bexar County led the state in distracted driving related fatalities. My students work year-round, and they are empowered advocates for themselves, friends and families,” Cox said in a statement. "The installation of these school zone beacons will not only slow down traffic but also give us a chance at a new educational piece regarding driving, safety and speed.”