Last week at Jackson Main Elementary School during a Health and Safety meeting, attended
by Principal Dr. Rodney Gilmore and other school staff, the RBA Group presented conceptual plans for pedestrian safety improvements proposed under the Safe Routes to School Project. They are the team of engineers that is responsible for executing the physical improvements to the grounds surrounding Jackson Main Elementary School. They invited the staff to comment and share any suggestions based safety issues. The following comments and suggestions were issued:
Safety Concerns
1. Unsafe conditions at arrival/dismissal times: school children have to cross between double parked cars and against heavy thru traffic which includes school buses.
2. High-risk intersection at East Columbia St. and Westbury Blvd/Union Avenue where there is a number of near-missed collisions because of high vehicle speed, vehicles not yielding to stop signs, and skewed intersection alignment.
3. Faded crosswalk lines and poor pavement conditions.
Suggestions from Staff
The school staff agreed with all of the proposed improvements as shown on the conceptual plan and also suggested the following improvements:
4. One-way traffic on Bennett Avenue in front of Jackson Main Elementary School during the hours of
arrival/dismissal. RBA will discuss that further with the Village to determine the feasibility of the request.
5. Traffic circle at intersection of E. Columbia St. and Westbury Blvd/Union Ave.
6. Speed humps on Westbury Blvd between California Avenue and East Columbia Street.
7. Colored/Raised crosswalks and pavement repairs at Jackson Street/Bennett Avenue intersection.
8. Create designated area for school buses.
9. Stagger dismissal times for parent pick-ups, bus riders and walkers.
Principal Dr. Rodney Gilmore is expected to circulate the proposed plan from RBA Group to parents as well to receive additional feedback to be reviewed by the engineers.
Related Links
