County planners propose quick‑build safety changes at Coosa/Chester High intersection

County infrastructure planners told the Chester City Council on Feb. 11 that they will pilot a quick‑build traffic redesign at the Coosa intersection adjacent to Chester High School to reduce pedestrian and vehicle conflicts. Kathy Spar, an infrastructure planner for Delaware County, said the intersection was selected after crash and speed data and community input showed repeated hazards during school pickup and drop‑off.

Spar said planners observed vehicles stuck in the intersection, drivers honking, and parents and students exposed to traffic while collecting site data. "It was complete chaos," she said, describing school pickup as a time when the team feared an accident. The proposed quick‑build would square one approach, convert the upper corner (Concord Avenue) to right‑turn only, and install paint, curb bump‑outs and flexible bollards to reduce conflict points and slow traffic.

The plan is intended as a low‑cost, reversible intervention. Planners said the quick‑build can be removed if residents or traffic engineers object, and that permanent changes could later be funded with community development block grant money. Sofia Peterson, the project's community engagement specialist, said students will choose public‑art designs for painted areas and the county will organize a community block party during the installation so families can participate.

Council members asked about left‑turn allowances, signage and the effect on through traffic. Planners said the school zone speed limit is currently 15 mph during drop‑off/pick‑up and 25 mph otherwise; changes aim to enforce slower turning speeds and remove dangerous turning conflicts. Planners also said they will coordinate with PennDOT and the city's public works and fire officials to ensure emergency‑vehicle access and appropriate signage on state roads.

Spar told council the one‑day installation is planned for Saturday, April 18, with street closures beginning after school dismissal the prior day for cleaning and bollard installation. "If we decide we like this, that's an opportunity for Chester to potentially use community development block grant funds to make these improvements permanent," she said.

The county also identified a second school intersection (Edgemont Scholars Academy) to be addressed in the fall; PennDOT has indicated willingness to take a lead role where state roads are involved. The council thanked county staff for the partnership and said it will continue coordinating on signage and enforcement for other school zones.