A citywide text alert system is a good idea to pursue — though we would note the city doesn’t need to wait for the text alert system’s approval to step up its game.

Mayor Eddie Sundquist first discussed the project a couple of weeks ago in response to a question from Marie Carrubb, D-Ward 4, who said the city should do a better job alerting the public when roads will be closed for road work.

Carrubba’s suggestion makes sense. Chautauqua County officials send news releases before major projects begin to alert drivers. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation alerts Warren County drivers to the start of major construction projects on a regular basis as well.

Jamestown has stepped up its social media presence since Sundquist became mayor, so it shouldn’t be too difficult at the end of one week to issue a short notice where city crews will be working the next week or areas drivers should avoid.

The text alert system will work well for those who use smart phones, but it’s important to remember there are some who don’t carry their phones everywhere they go or who prefer a landline phone. Sundquist noted the proposed Jamestown text alert will be similar to the Jamestown Public Schools District system, but the school district doesn’t just use text alerts — it sends emails, uses automated calls and sends news releases to area media outlets regarding many items sent in text alerts.

Making information like street closures more available to the public is a good idea. The city shouldn’t put all of its eggs in one basket.