(KMOV) -- Drivers near Alton are in for a big shock tomorrow. The speed limit near Alton High School will be reduced significantly.
A school zone will reduce the speed limit from 45 to 20 miles per hour.
Alton School District Superintendent David Elson welcomes the change. He met with the Godfrey city leaders and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department to discuss ways to improve safety on Humbert Road near Alton High School.
Recently, an Alton High School senior died from injuries suffered from a crash near the school.
The four-lane roadway has become a target for danger, Madison County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Marc McLemore said.
"People kind of get the feel that it is a highway,” McLemore said.
The speed zone signs will be installed by the end of the school day Friday, McLemore said.
Superintendent Elson added that the district is enforcing rules to ensure students use the appropriate lanes to enter and leave school grounds. Some students knowingly make illegal left turns from the high school onto Humbert Road, putting themselves and other drivers in danger. Elson said the high school enrolls more than 2,200 students.
City leaders, school district officials, and law enforcement had considered making changes to Humbert Road itself, as well as the parking lot of Alton High School. But McLemore said a speed zone was the best way to make an immediate improvement to traffic.
The school district said students have been notified of the upcoming change in speed limit near the high school.
McLemore no grace period will be offered for school zone violators.
