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Groves makes West Jefferson one‑way near Rose Intermediate to reduce hazardous drop‑offs
Summary
To reduce dangerous student drop‑off maneuvers, the Groves City Council approved making West Jefferson Street one‑way between Graves Avenue and Gulf Avenue during school pick‑up and drop‑off hours and directed staff to implement signage, painted crosswalks and enforcement before classes resume.
The Groves City Council voted Dec. 22 to establish West Jefferson Street between Graves Avenue and Gulf Avenue as a one‑way roadway during specified morning and afternoon school hours to improve student drop‑off and pickup safety at Rose Intermediate School.
Marshall (city staff responsible for traffic and safety coordination) told the council the corridor experiences heavy queuing, drivers making unsafe turns into private drives and student crossings between vehicles. Marshall said converting the two‑block stretch to a timed one‑way would let the crossing guard keep focus on students rather than looking for turning vehicles. "If we can shut this down to one way... our crossing guard doesn't have to help cars exit and turn left. He gets to keep his eyes focused in the direction of the students," Marshall said.
Staff described an implementation package that includes: repainting and marking crosswalks (work scheduled during the holiday break), signage and a new 'designated drop‑off' zone on the sidewalk before the lane split, cones and temporary barricades for initial enforcement, and outreach through the school's Remind/flyer channels and city social media. Marshall and Chief (public safety) said officers would be present in the first weeks to enforce the change and that the school supports the plan; crossing guard Mr. Patton will remain a visible on‑site traffic manager.
Council discussed access impacts for nearby apartments and a church driveway and ways to route through traffic via Graves and Monroe during restricted hours. Staff said the plan would allow emergency vehicle access and retain alternative access for residents via nearby streets. Council directed staff to circulate public information and to have officers assist during the transition; council members expressed support for a shorter rollout window (staff indicated crosswalk painting and outreach could be ready before classes resume in early January). The council approved the motion and asked staff to prepare the implementing ordinance amendment referenced in the packet.
