Long student drop-off/pick-up lines and related safety issues are a common struggle for K-12 schools across the country. Typical challenges include increased student enrollment or fewer students riding buses. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with bus driver shortages and canceled bus routes, have further exacerbated peak traffic issues at school start and end times. Traffic backups can also extend to the surrounding road network, which creates safety concerns. Wade Trim has conducted traffic studies at existing and new schools nationwide for more than 20 years to help improve traffic circulation and safety.

School traffic studies typically evaluate existing campus conditions, site access, circulation, vehicular queuing, arrival/dismissal operations, and any impacts on adjacent roadways and intersections. Through on-site observations and traffic data collected, we develop effective traffic circulation patterns, along with recommendations for site improvements. Traffic assessments are conducted to determine how to improve standing processes or accommodate increased peak traffic at school start and end times. Planning for internal site circulation and queuing to accommodate peak traffic periods is also completed.

At Forest Hills Northern High School in Grand Rapids, MI, the close proximity of the campus entrance to the drop-off/pick-up loop and staff parking area left little room for queuing. In addition, the entrance provides access to two additional schools on the same campus. A traffic assessment was completed to identify traffic concerns and make recommendations to improve the internal traffic flow and safety within the drop-off/pick-up area. Two reconfiguration options were developed for inbound traffic flow to extend the on-site queuing area and address a traffic weaving issue that was occurring when drivers needed to change lanes to turn. Additional recommendations included rerouting student drivers to a different access point, adding pavement markings to define travel paths throughout campus, and staggering bell schedules between schools.

As part of the Jenison Public School District’s bond projects, Bursley Elementary School in Jenison, MI, was slated for student drop-off/pick-up area, on-site parking, and vehicular and safety improvements. The student drop-off/pick-up loop followed a one-way clockwise direction with the driver side adjacent to the sidewalk, forcing students to enter and exit vehicles in a travel lane and walk between vehicles to access the school. This circulation pattern also creates unnecessary congestion for the other school access point. In addition, existing on-street parking limited sight distance and created pedestrian-vehicular conflicts. Proposed improvements included a passenger side drop-off/pick-up area, on-site parking, and adequate on-site queuing. On-street parking restrictions, crosswalk placement, and specific doors for student entry/exit were also recommended.