Dearborn Heights unveils Phase 2 of citywide school safety zone project, pilots flashing stop signs at three schools

City staff told the Dearborn Heights City Council on May 27 that Phase 2 of a citywide school safety-zone project has been designed and is planned for implementation during the summer recess.

The project, presented by city staff member Ali Deeb and licensed traffic engineer Lori Pollock, would extend high-visibility pavement markings and other pedestrian safety treatments out to about 1,500 feet around each of 21 schools in Dearborn Heights. Deeb said Phase 2 “has now been designed and will be ready for implementation, this season,” and the team recommended a set of near-term treatments — pavement markings, refreshed signage, parking-hour restrictions near schools and targeted speed limit reductions during school hours.

The presentation emphasized tailoring treatments to each site. Pollock told the council the study combined school survey responses with five years of crash data, field observations during arrival and dismissal, and on-site verification so recommendations match actual crossing locations and travel patterns. The study team found worn…