Morning school traffic is an ongoing issue, but this year, the issue seems to be drawing even more concern – and for good reason.

 

“It’s not just one school surge, but all three Johnson Avenue schools,” said Bridgeport Police Officer Jamie Hamrick. “Enrollment numbers are up at Johnson Elementary, Bridgeport Middle and Bridgeport High schools, which is going to increase traffic flow. There are three buildings and about 2,000 students, many arriving by private transportation.”

 

A bumper-to-bumper traffic situation is created each morning on both sides of Johnson Avenue as students and parents attempt to reach their respective schools. As a result, some motorists are taking alternate routes, driving through residential neighborhoods to bypass traffic. That, in turn, has led to complaints expressed by residents of those neighborhoods. Some of those residents have children to take to school and cannot get out of their driveways due to traffic. Others are inconvenienced and/or concerned about safety because of the increased traffic.

 

“We’ve received multiple complaints about traffic on side streets, so there was a meeting and it was determined out of that meeting to try a traffic pattern,” said Deputy Police Chief Randy Hartley.

 

Water Street was closed for entry between 7 and 8 a.m. today as was Willow Lane, between Easy Street and Woodland Drive. Those closures did eliminate the problem and didn’t seem to prevent anyone from arriving on time.

 

“Traffic cleared out at exactly the same time,” Hamrick said. “On the Bridgeport Middle/Bridgeport High end of Johnson Avenue, it was clear at 7:41 a.m. There was still some traffic on the Johnson Elementary side as students don’t have to be there until 8 a.m.”

 

The ideal situation, Hamrick said, is for motorists to follow main routes to schools and take turns at intersections.

 

“Allow yourself enough time to get there. There is going to be traffic, so plan for that and leave at an appropriate time to get there,” she said. “Also, please do not use Johnson Avenue as a drop-off zone.”

 

Pull into school entrances to drop students off. At Bridgeport High School, two or three cars could be unloading students simultaneously.

 

“When you think it’s safe for the students to exit the car, let them get out. They don’t have to be right at the door,” Hamrick said.

 

At Bridgeport Middle School, there are two drop-off lanes, but most parents are not using the second one; closest to Johnson Avenue. That, too, would help eliminate traffic.

 

Most importantly, Hamrick said, strive for the safety of students. Watch for school buses and crossing guards and respect rules in place for everyone's safety. 

 

“When you do hit the school zone, remember the speed limit is 15 miles per hour. There are a lot of walkers,” Hamrick said. “The safety of students is the most important thing. Please watch out for them, no matter where they are dropped off or are walking.”

 

Water Street and a portion of Willow Lane will again be closed for entry Tuesday between 7 and 8 a.m. (See Google map images of both areas).

 

Students have been made aware of the situation and electronic signs have been in place throughout the weekend to advise motorists.

 

Though Bridgeport Police is enforcing the traffic pattern, the city’s engineering department is taking all questions, complaints and concerns. It is undecided if the closure of those streets between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. will continue through the school year. Connect-Bridgeport will stay informed of the situation and follow up for our readers.

 

Editor's Note: Photos were taken by Joey Signorelli of Ben Queen Photography on the first day of the 2018-19 school year.