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Crossing guard urges flashing beacons, U‑turn restriction near Forest Vista Elementary
Summary
A crossing guard told the Transportation Commission that student counts at Forest Vista Elementary rose after Garden Ridge Elementary closed and asked for flashing beacons, improved striping and a U‑turn restriction during school hours to reduce conflicts at the Vail/Forest Vista intersection; staff agreed to investigate and report back.
A Flower Mound crossing guard on Sept. 9 told the Transportation Commission the area around Forest Vista Elementary has become congested since Garden Ridge Elementary closed and urged the town to add a flashing beacon, restripe pavement markings and consider restricting U‑turns during school hours at the intersection of Vail and Forest Vista.
"Forest Vista picked up 100 students from Garden Ridge, and Donald picked up another 100 students from Garden Ridge... I have almost had two kids hit already on my side of the street," the crossing guard said, describing congestion, vehicles stopping in the crosswalk and drivers making U‑turns that conflict with students and guardians.
Assistant Director Matt (staff) told the commission staff had the flashing-beacon project in the proposed budget and that, because the median at that intersection is small, the beacon likely would be an overhead installation. Matt said staff would inspect the location, review needed ramp and striping work and return to the commission with a report.
"We can investigate it and then bring back a report back to the commission," Matt said. "Starting in October, there's gonna have to be some ramp work done besides putting in the flashing beacon. That median is so small... so it's gonna be an overhead flashing beacon."
The crossing guard asked that the commission or staff visit the site during school pick-up hours; staff agreed to do so and to return to the Oct. 14 meeting with findings and recommended actions. The crossing guard also suggested a time-limited U‑turn prohibition during school hours and better pavement striping to improve visibility.
Why it matters
The request concerns student pedestrian safety at a school that recently absorbed students from a closed campus. The commission's staff response indicates the proposed improvements are in the town's budget process and that implementation will require coordination on design (ramp work, overhead beacon mounting) and striping.
Follow up requested
Staff will visit the site during school hours, perform counts/observations, confirm proposed flashing beacon placement and ramp/striping requirements, and return to the commission with a recommendation at the Oct. 14 meeting.
