JCPS leaders exploring traffic pattern changes at schools with long car rider lines

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Traffic congestion caused by massive car rider lines outside several schools was one of the main issues on the first day of classes for Jefferson County Public Schools, but there were some improvements on Friday.

Of course it always takes a few days to work out issues encountered during the first week of school. And while there's no magic wand, district leaders have said they're looking into potentially changing some traffic patterns when possible, and deploying more school resource officers to help.

At duPont Manual High School Friday morning, there were no major backups, which surprised at least one parent who wanted to know if something had changed since Thursday.

Other schools like Noe Middle, Johnson Traditional Middle and Audubon, Ramsey, and Schaffner Elementary saw long car rider lines that caused traffic to back up on nearby roads -- much to the frustration of residents and other drivers.

The location of some schools is part of the problem, and JCPS leaders are looking into changing patterns, but point out they can only affect what happens on school property.

"We have some traffic patterns we're going to have to improve on," Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said Thursday. "Some will just always be difficult traffic patterns based upon the fact the streets they're on and the amount of people coming."

Pollio said there will also always be some issues at larger schools with lots of students. He said officials will be monitoring closely the schools with increased car riders as bus transportation has been eliminated for most magnet and traditional schools.

LMPD is in charge of deploying traffic guards, but the district said it will examine deploying school resource officers to help with car rider lines. Parents are also encouraged to work with their individual schools to work out solutions to make dropping off and picking up students a smoother process.

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