Albany Residents Still Waiting for Flashing Lights on North Albany Road

Six months after city council vote, school zone speed limit enforcement cameras remain, but flashing lights are delayed.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:37am

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Six months ago, the Albany City Council voted 6-0 to install flashing lights in the school speed zone on North Albany Road. However, drivers are still waiting for the lights to be installed, as the city is still reviewing contractor submittals to ensure the equipment meets specifications. In the meantime, enforcement cameras at West Thornton Lake Drive continue to generate around 300 speeding tickets per month, with the 20 mph school zone speed limit in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days.

Why it matters

The lack of flashing lights has caused confusion among drivers about when the 20 mph school zone speed limit is in effect, especially when one of the two schools on the road has classes while the other does not. Residents have been waiting for the flashing lights to provide clear indication of the active school zone to improve safety and reduce speeding tickets.

The details

The city invited bids for the flashing light installation project on December 1, 2025 and opened four bids on December 16. North Star Electrical Construction of Sherwood submitted the low bid of $42,900. The contract stated that once the city issued a notice to proceed, construction should be completed within 30 days, and no later than April 3, 2026. However, the city is still reviewing submittals from the contractor, such as diagrams and software of the electrical equipment, to ensure they meet specifications before approving the project to move forward.

  • The Albany City Council voted 6-0 to install flashing lights in the school speed zone on North Albany Road six months ago.
  • The city invited bids for the project on December 1, 2025 and opened four bids on December 16.
  • The contract stated construction should be completed within 30 days of the notice to proceed, and no later than April 3, 2026.

The players

Albany City Council

The governing body of the city of Albany, Oregon that voted 6-0 to install flashing lights in the school speed zone on North Albany Road.

North Star Electrical Construction

A construction company based in Sherwood, Oregon that submitted the low bid of $42,900 for the flashing light installation project.

Staci Belcastro

The City Engineer for the city of Albany, who stated there has been no change in the project's status since the last update, but the city is hoping to get through the submittal review process soon.

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What they’re saying

“There has been no change since the last update, but hoping we can get through the submittal review process soon. I think there are just a few changes that need to be made.”

— Staci Belcastro, City Engineer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.