School zone times emphasized

    The 20 mph school zone speed limit on East Johnson Street south of Holyoke City Park and the elementary school was extended last year, and drivers are cautioned to note those hours as the 2018-19 school year nears.
    The 20 mph limit from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. is for school days only. Outside of school hours, the speed limit on East Johnson Street is 30 mph, and legible signs are posted.
    The school zone flashing lights on South Interocean Avenue are set by the State since Highway 385 is a state highway. Holyoke Police Chief Doug Bergstrom noted that the speed limit is 20 mph when the lights are flashing, which is from approximately 7-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.
    Bergstrom said that a request was made to the State last year to extend the flashing lights to 4:30 p.m. to allow ample time for children to cross after school. The timeline for the flashing lights for this year will be established once school starts.
    All streets around both schools are always 20 mph. Bergstrom reminds residents to slow down, stop at crosswalks and be prepared for children to cross the street any time, not only at crosswalks.

Click here to read the full article in the back-to-school section.