New School Zone Established on Dorset Street
On April 1st, the South Burlington City Council approved a resolution adopting a 25 miles per hour (mph) school zone on Dorset Street around the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School and the South Burlington High School. The new school zone will be similar to other recently established school zones on White Street and Market Street. The Dorset Street School Zone will be in effect from 8:00 – 9:30AM and 3:00 – 4:30PM on days when school is in session. During these hours, lights will be flashing which will indicate the 25-mph speed limit is in effect. Outside of the school zone hours, the 35-mph speed limit will be in effect. The new hardware and signage will include radar speed feedback signs which indicate to drivers their current speed. The school zone signage and radar speed feedback signs will remain in place and active at all times. The new signage and hardware will be installed by the Department of Public Works immediately upon delivery, which is expected to be early summer 2024.
The school zone, associated speed limit, and signage are based on recommendations from an engineering study completed by Hoyle, Tanner & Associates. In Fall 2023, the City Council allocated funding for a consultant to study and design pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements around the middle and high schools as part of the Dorset Street Phase 4 paving project. Establishment of the school zone is a first step in these efforts. Further improvements in this area are likely to include upgrades to existing crosswalks, improved lighting, and other design components. These additional improvements and paving of Dorset Street from Aspen Drive to Kennedy Drive, are scheduled for construction in summer 2025.
April 9, 2024