Opelika council fast-tracks school‑zone time changes to take effect before school starts

The Opelika City Council on Aug. 4 suspended its normal rules and approved an ordinance changing the active times for school‑zone signs so posted hours match newly adjusted school drop‑off and pickup schedules.

Council approval followed a staff presentation explaining that the change affects multiple Opelika City Schools and is meant to ensure flashing signs and posted times reflect new schedules before the first day of school. A staff speaker told the council the measure was ready for publication Thursday and could take effect before school begins.

The ordinance amends city code section 16‑188 to update the times when school‑zone signs are active; the city made clear the change does not alter existing speed limits. “Again, the speed limits are not changing. This is only for the times,” the staff speaker said during the meeting. The staff presentation then listed the new posted times by school, including Opelika High School (25 mph, 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. drop‑off; 2:55 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. pickup) and multiple intermediate and primary schools with adjusted 6:45 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. start windows and afternoon pickup windows ranging from 2:00–3:15 p.m.

Council members moved to suspend the rules so the ordinance could be passed in time for the start of school and then voted to approve the ordinance by roll call; the meeting record shows the motion carried with members voting in the affirmative. The ordinance is scheduled for publication Thursday and to take effect before the first day of school, per staff remarks at the meeting.

The council noted that traffic‑safety signage would be updated to reflect the new hours and emphasized enforcement and posted limits remain unchanged.