Back to School Safety: Exciting Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements Ahead!

As students head back to school this fall, the safety of our school zones is a top priority.

We're excited to share a range of traffic and pedestrian safety improvement projects that are currently in planning, design, or construction. These enhancements are designed to make our roads safer for children, parents, and school staff alike. Here's a snapshot of what's happening in our community:

New Projects Starting Soon

Wildwood Forest Elementary will see several important upgrades starting this Fall 2024. Expect to see new speed humps, all-way stops, high-visibility crosswalks, a concrete refuge island, and two strategic sidewalk extensions. These changes aim to improve traffic calming and make crossing the street safer for students.

Stough Elementary will benefit from pedestrian infrastructure improvement at the existing Mill Village/Edwards Mill/Parklake signal with the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). Construction is set to start in late Fall 2024.

Ongoing Construction

At Riverbend Elementary, a new signalized intersection is currently under active construction. This upgrade will improve traffic flow and enhance safety for students crossing the road.

Two intersections near Wakefield Middle School and High School are also getting a major upgrade. The intersections of Schoolhouse St at Wakefield Pines Dr and Mabry Mill St at Wakefield Pines Dr are in the final stages of design and easement acquisition and construction is expected to begin soon on new traffic signals, providing safer crossing points for students.

Upcoming Installations

Several schools will see the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at existing crosswalks. These beacons are designed to grab drivers' attention and make pedestrian crossings safer. Look for these improvements at:

• Martin Middle, Grace Christian, and Cardinal Gibbons High starting in Fall 2024.
• Oberlin Middle, Conn Elementary, and Riverbend Middle (Perry Creek Rd at Beardall St.) will see RRFBs in Winter 2025.
• Jeffreys Grove Elementary and Lacy Elementary will have RRFBs installed by Winter 2025.

Future Enhancements

Dillard Middle and Harris Creek Elementary are on the list for future upgrades as well. These schools will benefit from new signalized intersections, currently in the design phase with construction expected to start in late 2025 or early 2026. The design and construction of these two signalized intersection will be delivered by NCDOT.

At Ligon Middle & Poe Elementary, a federally funded project will bring comprehensive pedestrian and traffic safety improvements along Martin Luther King Blvd by early 2026.

Recent Upgrades

In the past year, Carroll Middle, River Oak Middle, Athens Drive High, and East MillbrookMiddle have all received new streetlight improvements. These updates enhance visibility and contribute to safer commutes.

Stay Safe and Stay Aware!

As these projects move forward, we encourage everyone-students, parents, and drivers-to stay alert and adhere to traffic safety guidelines. Please pay attention to new signs, signals, and road markings. Let's work together to ensure a safe and smooth start to the school year!

For more details on specific projects or to see updates on the progress, visit our Vision Zero page. Your safety is our top priority!