Hammond board approves 90-day trial to close Tapper entrance at Burns Tech School to ease traffic

Hammond City Board of Public Works and Safety members approved a 90‑day trial closing of the Tapper entrance to Burns Tech School during arrival and dismissal times to reduce vehicle congestion, the board said at its meeting.

Dean Button, a public‑works department representative, told the board the School City of Grama has asked to permanently close a sliding gate at the south end of Tapper, where the alley becomes school property, because northbound traffic is blocked during student drop‑off and pickup. Button asked the board to allow a 90‑day trial rather than immediate permanent closure so the city and school can evaluate traffic impacts.

Button said the proposed trial would close the south end of Tapper to through traffic on school days between about 8:30–9:30 a.m. and 3:15–4:15 p.m., and that barricades would be used to separate drop‑off areas on the north and south sides of the campus to prevent conflicting traffic movements.

John Suarez, a contractor representing the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, and other contractors attended and were informed the board had approved isolating two access points on a 90‑day trial to reduce congestion, Button said.

Board members moved to approve the temporary 90‑day trial and to set a status review for Jan. 15; the motion carried with the board’s verbal assent. The board directed staff to return with a status report and recommendations at that review date so members can consider permanent changes or adjustments.

The trial will be limited to the hours and school days specified; the board did not vote on any immediate permanent closure. Board members and staff said they will monitor signage and on‑street conflicts during the trial and may adjust the traffic control measures before any recommendation for permanence.