INNISFAIL - Chinook's Edge School Division has announced long-awaited improvements to the bus loop and parent drop-off/pickup area at the Innisfail Schools Campus to reduce traffic congestion.
The changes will mean the current bus loop and parent drop-off/pickup locations will be switched.
"I think the number of students has remained the same but I think we may have seen an increase in the number of parents driving their children (to school), which would increase the congestion," said Shawn Russell, assistant superintendent corporate services. "Next year we will have the students from the Chinook Center (school) over there as well so there'll be a bit more traffic as a result of that."
It's the first time since the new bus loop was built during the campus's modernization that the board has had to address the congestion issue.
Russell noted that with 2,000 students arriving and leaving every day in a small time frame, there is bound to be "frustration" with congestion issues.
"We're hoping that this new solution will help alleviate some of the congestion that we're seeing there now and the frustrations that come with that," he said.
The new changes will allow for about 40 per cent more parent drop-off and pickup space, noted Russell. The changes will see buses enter and exit via 52nd Avenue while parents will enter via 52nd Avenue and exit onto 42nd Street.
Congestion has been an issue for several months, said Russell.
"We've had some ongoing concerns expressed with the congestion in the morning and afternoon, even after the new bus loop was built during one of the phases of modernization," he said.
The board presented a three-option survey to parents last November and asked for suggestions. The majority of parents (56 per cent) chose option 2, which the board ultimately chose to implement.
The board sent a letter to parents on March 13 notifying them of the changes.
The board worked with local RCMP, community peace officers, the Town of Innisfail, Chinook's Edge transportation staff, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School staff and administrators from all three Chinook's Edge schools to reach a decision.
"We do have some minimal costs associated with having new signage put up but it's very minimal," he said, noting another phase that will see the Innisfail Middle School parking lot expanded to accommodate more parent parking as well. "So there will be a cost associated with that."
The new signage will be installed by late April with changes to the bus loop effective on May 1, 2017.
Shawn Russell, assistant superintendent corporate services
"We're hoping that this new solution will help alleviate some of the congestion that we're seeing there now and the frustrations that come with that."
