Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District warns of bus delays as city construction and JBLM gate closures alter routes
Summary
District staff said new city sidewalk work near Idyllwild Elementary and a series of planned rolling gate closures at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) will disrupt bus routes and likely cause delays; staff and city contractors have agreed temporary traffic controls and communication plans to reduce impacts.
Clover Park School District staff told the board they expect a notably higher volume of transportation disruptions this year after learning of city sidewalk work near Idyllwild Elementary and announced gate closures on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Rick (staff member) said the Nyanzia roadway project will have limited impact, but that city sidewalk work on Idyllwild's adjacent roadway, which crews planned to begin the day after the board briefing, could create significant pickup and drop-off challenges. Staff described a plan developed with the city and the contractor that includes temporary traffic controls and communication to parents; district maintenance, risk and school-site staff will monitor conditions and meet again with the city as work proceeds.
Board members asked whether police traffic support would be requested; staff said initial contractor controls and a temporary stop sign are planned and that Lakewood Police could be asked to assist if the contractor and city controls prove insufficient. Staff noted a contract clause obligating the contractor to provide traffic control in some circumstances.
The district also briefed the board on expected changes at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Staff said the D Street (North Fork) gate will be closed after damage and DOD civilian staffing cuts, which will force routes through the Integrity Gate and add queuing and travel time; staff said they have already accounted for the likely Berkeley Madigan closure in route planning and will begin the school year using routes that reflect expected gate closures. Staff warned that closures on other gates could compound delays when traffic diverts across remaining open gates.
Jay (board director) noted that many Idyllwild students travel to school through a waiver program and that those students are not easily reassigned to alternate bus routes, increasing complexity for routing.
Staff said they would produce the parent/family communications about the changes and provide copies to board members on request. Transportation staff said drivers have some positive behavior-support training and that staff will revisit individualized arrangements for students with special needs if routes lengthen.
No formal board action was taken; staff said they will monitor operations once work begins and report back to the board if additional measures are required.
