Congestion is a big issue during drop-off and pick-up time at University Park Elementary.
University Park city staff suggested making Amherst Avenue a one-way street to help move traffic along during the most congested times of day. The plan didn’t go over well with homeowners, though.
Traffic is also made worse with the lack of on-site parking for UP Elementary staff and teachers. Many employees had been parking along Amherst, and therefore narrowing access to the street.
At last night’s UP City Council meeting, Public Works Director Bud Smallwood presented a plan to help bring traffic in line during peak hours. The city devised a queuing lane to be set up on the west curb of Dickens Avenue between Stanford Street and Amherst Avenue. Several cones will be set up at the intersection of Stanford and Dickens, directing drivers east down Amherst. A crossing guard will watch the intersection.
Teachers will be asked to park along the east side of Dickens to help mitigate congestion along other thoroughfares, too.
At last night’s meeting,UP Elementary principal Lynda Carter said that the school would get the word out about the new queuing lane. She also said that, if the plan doesn’t work out, the school is open to working with the city to re-evaluate the traffic situation.
Councilwoman Kelly Walker acknowledged the work that went into finding an amicable solution for everyone, saying “This has certainly been a community effort.”
Author
