Flashing Beacons Added at High Springs Community School Crosswalk

HIGH SPRINGS – Alachua County Public Works has installed new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at the primary crosswalk serving High Springs Community School in an effort to improve pedestrian safety for students, families and staff.

County crews completed the installation last week at the school’s main pedestrian crossing. The push-button-activated devices are designed to increase driver awareness by emitting high-visibility flashing lights when pedestrians are present in the crosswalk.

The project is part of Alachua County’s broader initiative to enhance traffic safety in school zones and reduce risks for pedestrians.

Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete said the upgrade underscores the county’s focus on protecting children traveling to and from school.

“This upgrade reinforces our commitment to keeping children safe as they travel to and from school,” Gavarrete said. “The RRFB units provide an additional layer of visibility and driver awareness that benefits students and the entire community.”

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, commonly referred to as RRFBs, are often installed at marked crosswalks where additional visibility measures are needed. The devices are activated by pedestrians using a push button and alert approaching drivers through rapidly flashing LED lights positioned near crosswalk signage.

County officials said the installation was completed with minimal disruption to school operations and nearby traffic flow.

Motorists are reminded to obey posted speed limits in school zones and to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, particularly during peak arrival and dismissal times.

The High Springs project marks one step in a series of planned improvements across the county. Public Works officials announced that the next school zone safety enhancements are scheduled for Feb. 25 at Irby Elementary School in Alachua.

County leaders have emphasized that such upgrades are intended to support safer routes for students while reinforcing driver awareness in areas with frequent pedestrian activity.

As school traffic volumes continue during the academic year, officials encourage drivers to remain vigilant in school zones and follow all traffic control devices designed to protect young pedestrians.

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