Title
Follow up Discussion and Possible Action Regarding MISD Request to Open Gate Access at Asa E. Low, Jr. Intermediate School on Clover Hill Drive
Requested Action
Council Discussion and Action
Recommendation
Staff recommends opening the gate for a trial period during school days and school hours.
Description/History
The MISD has requested permission for the emergency access gate for Asa E. Low Jr Intermediate School adjacent to Clover Hill Drive be opened during school hours to facilitate student drop-off and pick-up. To analyze the impact of this request staff has requested and received from MISD the number of students who are currently walking, biking and the number of vehicles that use Clover Hill Drive as drop-off and pick-up of students. A school circulation plan was also requested and received.
Justification
The MISD Police has reported approximately 55 students walk to school and approximately 25 students ride their bikes. In an effort to improve visibility and student safety around the Clover Hill entrance the City installed "No Parking, Standing or Stopping" signs on the east and west side of Clover Hill Drive. With these parking restrictions the MISD Police reported in 7:25 to 8:00 a.m timeframe approximately 160 vehicles still dropped off students in vicinity of the Clover Hill driveway. Furthermore with the "No Parking" signs in place the drop-off and pick-up traffic has moved north and south of the restricted area, encroaching further into the residential subdivisions.
The school district is proposing to change the circulation around the school to accommodate the parents that are now parked or stopped on Clover Hill. Traffic from Walnut Creek drive will use the school drop off located on the west side of the school (currently used by buses). Traffic from Clover Hill will use the school drop off located on the east side of the school. This drop off provides stacking for approximately 160 vehicles on site. The drive aisles in-between these two drop off areas will be barricaded thus not allowing cut-thru traffic to and from the neighborhood. The existing internal stop signs near the Clover Hill entrance will be covered thus allow a free flow movement into and out of the school site from Clover Hill Drive. During non-school hours the Clover Hill driveway will be closed to prevent cut-thru traffic to and from Walnut Creek Drive.
The Public Works Department believes the high number of vehicles that are currently using Clover Hill Drive indicates a need for a second point of access to the school. We recommend opening the gate on a trial basis from November 16, 2009 until the Winter Break. During this timeframe the traffic flow will be evaluated and a permanent recommendation will be presented to Council at the last Council meeting in December 2009. Even if the gate is permanently opened staff still recommends that MISD pursue an additional north route from the school to Walnut Creek Drive.
The Public Works Director will be in attendance at the meeting to answer Council's questions regarding this item.
Funding Source
N/A
Prepared By
David Boski, P.E.
Transportation Engineer
Public Works Department