Birmingham Board Reviews Spark Learning Traffic Plan for New School Opening

The Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustment convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss a revised traffic plan for Spark Learning Incorporated, a proposed school set to accommodate up to 90 students. The board reviewed the new traffic flow design aimed at improving safety and efficiency during student drop-off and pick-up times.

The plan includes a single-lane entrance and exit on the west side of the property, designed to prevent traffic from backing up onto University Boulevard. The school will implement staggered drop-off and pick-up times to further alleviate congestion, with designated times for different grade levels throughout the afternoon.

However, concerns were raised by local resident Amanda Mulkey, who highlighted ongoing issues with the traffic study associated with the project. Mulkey pointed out that the traffic study results have not been made publicly available, limiting community insight into potential impacts. She also expressed skepticism about the timeline for necessary curb improvements, which are tied to a larger city project expected to be completed by January 2027, well into the school year.

In response, Jimmy Duncan, representing the engineering team, assured the board that the traffic study adhered to national standards and emphasized that interim measures would be in place before the city’s project is completed. He acknowledged the community's concerns but reiterated the plan's intent to manage traffic effectively.

The board's discussions underscored the importance of balancing educational development with community safety and traffic management. As the project moves forward, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the implementation of the traffic plan and the anticipated improvements to ensure a smooth transition for the new school.