SC-Austin E3-CS 900312 Ua, MAR *[ 1990
MEMORANDUM
CITY MANAGER
TO: ALAN RATLIFF FROM: '~~
City Manager
Chlef of Police
REF: CONGESTION ON MOORE ROAD DATE: MARCH 12, 1990
AT AUSTIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
During the staff meeting of February 14, 1990, you asked me to
research the traffic problem at Austin Elementary School, determine if
hazards exist, and recommend solutions. The Pollce Department has
conducted an indepth study of the problem as Well as held discussions
with Dr. Deborah Nelson, Principal at Austin Elementary school, Ms.
Ellen Shiplett, President of the Parent Teacher Organization and City
Engineer Russ Doyle.
Dr. Nelson was very cordial in her meeting with me but was very
concerned about the problem, she expressed her frustration in the
fact that the problem has been addressed in numerous times and ways in
the past with yet no permanent solutions and with the outlook that the
problem will be worse in the future. In addition, she stated that
letters have been sent home with students in an attempt to encourage
parents to assist in solving the problem by: 1) utilizing the bus
system; and 2) Appropriate use of designated areas in dropping off and
picking up children.
In visiting with Ms. Shiplett, she expressed concern that all
of Moore Road was unsafe for school children and that the PTO was
planning to officially contact the City Council to voice their
concerns. The recommendations the Austin Elementary school PTO plan
to make are as follows: 1) Reduction of the speed limit on Moore Road
to 30 mph; and 2) The installation of stop signs on Moore Road at
various intersections.
While no permanent solutions have been readily identified, both
Dr. Nelson and Ms'. shiplett were extremely pleased that we are
addressing the problems once again.
In our discussions with City Engineer Russ Doyle, he stated his
recommendations will include an additional drive from the circle to
the bus drop-off area and utilization of the bus drop-off area.
Memo to.Alan Ratiiff, City Manager
Refu Congestion on Moore Road at Austin Elementary School
March 12, 1990; Page 2 of 3
As a result of the study by the Police Department, we report
the following findings:
FINDINGS:
Traffic congestion exists both during the morning and
afternoon hours when parents are dropping off or picking
up their children. While there is a relatively long
driveway up to the school, parents line up to drop off
their children at a basically small designated drop-off
area. Not only do parents wait until they reach this
small drop-off area but they also often sit and wait
until their children are inside the building. The
line-up of cars naturally fills the driveway and forces a
back-up both directions on Moore Road. The problem is
exacerbated by other traffic, particularly during the
morning hours.
Parents both north and southbound must wait in line to
turn in at Austin Elementary, causing a back-up in both
directions on Moore Road. In addition, parents
southbound pull to the curb to turn right mixed with
parents pulling to the curb to let off children at the
sidewalk and/or crosswalk.
Parents northbound, frustrated with waiting to turn left
into the school driveway, will initiate their left turn
without sufficient clearance, thereby blocking southbound
traffic.
Parents utilizing the alley to the west to drop off
children have created a traffic problem in the alley.
The one-lane alley is now a by-pass to the elementary
drive which is full. The parents who are egressing back
onto Moore, turning both left and right, are feeding back
into the traffic congestion.
6. There is a "No Left Turn' at the elementary driveway
which is usually obeyed except when traffic is light.
An additional driveway exists immediately north of Fire
Station #2 but is restricted for use by buses only. The
bus area is utilized by regular school buses as well as
day care buses.
Northbound traffic which backs up does block the entrance
to Fire Station #2. On two occasions last week emergency
runs were made from this location. The emergency units
were able to get out; however, if these had occurred
during those times when traffic is congested, it could be
a problem.
Memo to Alan Ratliff, City Manager
Ref: Congestion on Moore Road at Austin Elementary School
March 12, 1990; Page 3 of 3
SCHOOL STATISTICS:
Enrollment
'87-88 school Year: 430 (K-5th Grade)
'88-89 School Year: 615 (K-5th Grade)
'89-90 school Year: 550 (K-3th Grade)
Enrollment dropped due to construction of
intermediate school
'90-91 School Year: 630 (K-3rd Grade) PREDICTION
With the increase in the predicted enrollment coming
those ages (Kindergarten & 1st Grade) where parents
more inclined to personally drive their children
school rather than utilize the bus system.
Bus System. The bus drop-off area is utilized by:
4 School District Buses
5 Private Day Care Buses
at
are
to
10.
The original plat of the school area reflects a circular
drive encircling the entire school. If this circular
drive would have created additional drop-off points, it
would seem that this would alleviate some of the problem.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. CITY. The Police Department will continue to monitor
this location during these congested times taking
enforcement actions where appropriate, i.e., "No Left
Turn", speeding in school zones, and disobeying crossing
guards.
2. SCHOOL.
a. Additional
student drop-off areas need to be
identified.
Consideration could be given to increasing the
current unloading area from basically one car length
to several car lengths, perhaps with covered walkway.
(Refer to orange area marked "B")
Consideration be given to allowing parents to utilize
the unloading area which is currently designated for
buses only. This would almost double the area
available to pick up/drop off children. Obviously,
the school would need to emphasize safety
considerations. Other Coppell schools currently mix
the traffic. (Refer to orange area marked "C")
Consideration be given to to switching the parent
drop-off area and the area designated for buses only·
When approached with this option, Dr. Nelson replied
that this had not previously been tried and that
could be pursued if approved by Rick Foster.
If construction plans are being considered for an
additional school on Mockingbird, serious
consideration should be given to that construction so
that this same problem is not created at the new
site.
NM/s ah