Minneapolis School Zone Pilot Reduces Speeding

A city safety project uses low-cost infrastructure and driving data to slow traffic near local schools.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Remote Work

Isometric editorial illustration of yellow traffic bollards on a concrete curb extension, representing municipal traffic-calming infrastructure in Minneapolis. — Minneapolis officials successfully reduced vehicle speeding in school zones by implementing low-cost infrastructure projects, including curb extensions and bollards, in August 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Minneapolis completed a school zone safety pilot in August 2026 that installed temporary curb extensions and flexible bollards at two intersections. The project successfully reduced speeding incidents near the targeted schools.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to address traffic safety risks proactively by using data to identify hazards before crashes occur, rather than relying on reactive measures.

The city invested US$5,100 in material expenses for the pilot program. Speeding 10mph over the limit dropped 41% at West Chestnut Avenue and Thomas Avenue South, while trips exceeding 25mph fell up to 66% at 51st Avenue North and Girard Avenue North.

The players

City of Minneapolis

The local municipal government oversaw the implementation of the traffic safety pilot program.

Safe Routes Partnership

This organization advocates for safe walking and bicycling environments to improve student health and safety.

Cambridge Mobile Telematics

This technology company specializes in telematics and data analytics to improve road safety through connected device monitoring.

The details

City officials used Cambridge Mobile Telematics' StreetVision technology to collect anonymized data from smartphones and vehicles to target specific high-risk intersections. The data allowed the city to implement low-cost interventions to curb dangerous driving habits.

Temporary infrastructure was installed near two schools in late August 2026.
Project findings were presented at a national conference on October 22, 2026.

Market Landscape

The pilot reflects a broader trend of leveraging telematics data to optimize urban planning and safety investments. This positions the city's approach within a growing movement of municipalities using connected vehicle analytics to refine infrastructure efficacy against traditional, non-data-informed traffic management.

Drivers commuting through the identified school zones should be aware of the persistent physical traffic calming measures that may alter traffic flow. Residents near these schools benefit from enhanced safety and reduced speed violations during morning and afternoon hours.

The takeaway

Using anonymized telematics data allows city planners to deploy low-cost traffic interventions with high measurable impact. Proactive site selection based on actual driving behavior provides a scalable model for reducing road risks in high-traffic school zones.