Traffic concern at future elementary school discussed in Jackson

The issue of traffic flow near the planned elementary school on Lacey Street in Jackson was an item of conversation during Tuesday's meeting of the Jackson Board of Aldermen.

The discussion stemmed from the traffic-study review for the school, which was prepared by Bernardin, Lochmueller and Associates Inc. of St. Louis. Alderwoman Wanda Young questioned why the study was confined to an area adjacent the school, specifically Lacey and East Main streets and Lacey Street and East Ridge Road.

"I'm a little concerned about the study not encompassing a wider area," Young said. "I don't think we're addressing the entire problem."

Jim Roach, city administrator, agreed with Young that the traffic-review study seemed narrow but that further studies could be suggested by the board of aldermen.

"A bigger area than what's in the study will be impacted," Roach said. "We all know that. But one way to go about this is to take it slow and see how things develop."

Roach said the main focus of the traffic-study review was the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Lacey and East Main streets.

"The area that needs to be addressed immediately is the traffic light," he said. "That will totally be a city project unless the school chooses to participate with us, but they have indicated they are not interested."

Mayor Barbara Lohr said another visit with school officials was necessary.

"We've got a few things that we could bring up with them," Lohr said.

"If the school doesn't want to participate, I'm for letting [the traffic signal] sit," said Alderman Dave Hitt.

The motion to accept the traffic-safety review was unanimously passed by the board.

Other action

* The board unanimously approved accepting the bid of Jokerst Inc. of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., in the amount of $210,718 relative to the city's 2013 Asphalt Street Improvement Program.

* The board discussed the creation of a no-parking zone on Old Cape Road from Shawnee Boulevard to Ridge Road.

* The board discussed the repeal of three-way stop controlled instersections at Ridge Road and Oak Ridge Drive, and North Oak Hill Road and Breckenridge Drive

klewis@semissourian.com

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101 Court St., Jackson, Mo.