Drivers using two roads in Alcoa should pay closer attention to the posted signs after the city changed the speed limit near a school zone.

The city announced that East Bessemer Street and East Edison Street would move from 40 mph to 30 mph effective October 22.

The change was coordinated with the Alcoa Police Department as a public-safety measure.

For people who regularly use these routes, the lower limit is a change worth building into their daily driving habits.

School-zone areas can bring a mix of drivers, students, pedestrians and vehicles making frequent turns.

Lower posted speeds may require only a small adjustment in travel time, but they can create more room to react to sudden movements.

The change applies specifically to the identified streets, rather than to every road in the surrounding neighborhood.

Residents should rely on the signs in place as they travel and watch for any related traffic-control measures.

Motorists should not assume the old 40 mph limit remains in effect simply because it was familiar.

The city's announcement provides a timely reminder that routine commutes can change as communities update local safety rules.

Travelers heading through Alcoa this week should allow a moment to adjust to the new posted limit.