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Board examines Battle Creek Way school access and possible turn-lane, right-of-way and signal projects
Summary
Staff and outside engineers presented conceptual fixes to congestion and safety near the Battle Creek school campus, including turn lanes, an additional driveway lane, and upgrading antiquated signal equipment; board members asked staff to pursue separate resolutions for right-of-way, driveway improvements and signal ownership.
The Board discussed potential roadway improvements near the Battle Creek school campus designed to reduce cut-through traffic on neighborhood streets and improve safety during school drop-off and pick-up.
Public Works staff and consultant Gerald Bolden of Cordino Group described observed traffic patterns and conceptual improvements. The presenters said the campus’ internal driveway is currently designated as a driveway rather than a public roadway and that circulation issues cause middle-school queues to block lanes that serve the high school. Consultants proposed adding a right-turn and left-turn lane at the primary intersection and building an additional lane on the school driveway to feed the high-school area separately from middle-school traffic. Staff also said the traffic signal equipment at the intersection is old and would need significant upgrades if the city assumes ownership of the signal.
Officials said the project may require dedication of right-of-way from Maury County and cooperation among the city, the county and the county school system. Alderman Fitterer recommended separate resolutions for distinct asks — right-of-way on Malin Moore (transcript spelling), right-of-way for the driveway and acceptance of the signal — so each component could be responded to individually. Alderman Linville and others emphasized safety concerns, noting the high volume of vehicles using narrow residential streets and the school’s future growth as additional grades are absorbed.
Staff described two possible paths: (1) seek right-of-way dedication and a partnership that would include upgrades prior to city acceptance, or (2) have the city make targeted improvements without accepting roadway ownership, focusing on safety and traffic flow. Several commissioners asked staff to provide the approved site plans and the school’s traffic-impact study to give the full board context for potential obligations and cost allocations.
No formal resolution was adopted at this meeting; staff said they will draft proposed resolutions and return with more detailed scope, cost estimates and any necessary interlocal-agreement language for board consideration.
