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Traffic consultant recommends phased fixes for McNair–Vandergriff congestion, offers cost estimates under $750,000
Summary
Peters & Associates presented a tiered set of traffic improvements — from restriping and a four-way stop to overflow parking and a mini-roundabout — with estimated line items and a total-if-all-items approach below $750,000; board members urged prioritizing near-term low-cost actions that address immediate safety and bus circulation.
A traffic study and list of recommended, phased improvements for the McNair–Vandergriff area drew detailed discussion at the Fayetteville School Board meeting.
Blake Jorgensen of Peters & Associates outlined a tiered approach that begins with low-cost, quickly deployed actions and moves up to larger infrastructure investments. “The cheapest, easiest thing they can do is put a four-way stop sign there,” Jorgensen said, identifying the Vandergriff–Candlewood intersection as a straightforward safety improvement.
He described a series of projects ranked by cost and complexity: restriping to provide northbound and westbound lanes into McNair; creating bus parking bays and an overflow parking area to reduce queuing; a tapered turn lane on Mission; and, as a higher-cost option, a small roundabout at a troublesome loop. Jorgensen provided estimates: the Mission tapered turn lane (approx. 250 feet) ~$86,000; overflow parking ~$155,000; mini roundabout ~$275,000; long access drive ~$100,000; additional bus loading area ~$83,000; bus loading area B ~$154,000. He said a full package of proposed items would cost under $750,000.
Board members discussed timing and phasing with district staff. Some urged implementing the Mission turn lane and separating bus loading immediately, arguing these will not be affected by feeder-pattern changes. Others recommended waiting to observe traffic changes once the new Woodland campus and Ramey feeder adjustments are fully online, so the district can prioritize interventions that produce the greatest benefit.
The consultant and board agreed on a pragmatic, phased strategy: start with low-ticket items that can be staged or combined during a spring break/ summer work window, and evaluate the effects of the new feeder patterns before pursuing higher-cost options.
The presentation did not include a formal funding vote; board members said they will weigh the project list against the final Ramey GMP and available funds.
