Big Changes: Bell Street to Become a School Zone – What You Need to Know

It's Back to School time in Amarillo and everyone is making sure that back to school is safe for everyone.

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TxDot and West Plains High School recently introduced a new traffic pattern to help traffic flow in the area.

Read More: TxDOT Testing a Traffic Change for West Plains High School |

Now the City of Amarillo and Amarillo ISD are trying to make things safer for the students who have to cross Bell Street to get to Amarillo High School.

New School Zone

Many students walk to school or walk to lunch.  The students have a light at Bell Street and Fulton and can use the crosswalk safely.  However, those students who cross as Bell Street and Sandie Drive do not have a a lighted crosswalk.  Although there is a crosswalk at that intersection and a caution light there isn't anything to make cars slow down, and it's dangerous.

The City of Amarillo is now putting in a School Zone in that area to help with the safety of those students crossing the street. Not only that, students will now be able to push a button and activate a yellow light that will allow them to cross Bell Street safely at Sandie Drive.

The School Zone will be in effect during the following times.

• Mornings: 7:30 am - 8:15 am
• Lunch 11:30 am - 1:45 pm
• After school: 3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

This will fully go into effect on Thursday, August 15th, the first day of school for Amarillo ISD.

This is something that has been needed for a very long time, and it will make it safer for the high school kids to cross Bell Street. If you use this street for your morning, lunch, or afternoon commutes, please note that you will have to slow down during those times.